From the OP - "but I'll never have to make a living at this - thank god - just play money." If I read that correctly and in the right context, he is not operating a business - just reaching out to an opportunity. The prices upwards of $12,000 reflect more accurately what such a project should cost but I'm guessing, based on my reading of his posts, that he will not venture much past the $$s he has already discussed. Someone will get a great deal and he will make some play money and be challenged and having fun (I hope) in the doing.