Good friends don't let their friends buy ATN brand thermal. Mediocre/poor image quality and a reputation for not working right.
If you want budget thermal, look at AGM.
Luna, yes you have the right idea getting a thermal monocular for scanning and then use NV for the scope.
I'd recommend a Pulsar Axion XQ35 Pro. They are $1500. $2000 if you get the LRF model.