I was just wondering if it's a common thing for the 2200 engine to get a cylinder with compression loss, i'm about to sell my 01 4 door because of this and i would like to get another sunfire, but i'm worried of the same problem arising before i get my moneys worth on the car, any info would be appreciated

I had the problem with my '02 2200 as well - due to extremely worn valve guides. Fortunately it was only one that was very bad - the exhaust valve on #3. I spent the money just over a year ago, and so far I've gone another 33,500km with no issues since. It sure felt a lot nicer running on 4 cylinders again...
I would rather fix a car I "know" than buy another entire car full of "unknowns". I'll bet it would be cheaper to just do the fix right than swap the whole car - unless you're looking for a newer one with the Ecotec... but then this problem wouldn't apply either. The earlier Eco's seem to have timing chain issues - which I would bet on being a more expensive fix than your valve (if that's the problem).
I've also seen used engines around here going for around $400, and if you're not so inclined, the labor needed to do that swap may be less than the R&R of a cylinder head plus machining and gaskets. Just another route to consider. There shouldn't be a lack of 2200s around anywhere yet.