Jordon
I think the advice you have been given is sound.
The one thing I think has been over looked is your skill levels.
You stated you are going into the panel industry I am presuming panel beater.
I am a motor mechanic by trade.
I started racing at 18 but could not afford it so I started making my own parts.
As you do this you accumulate equipment , welders a lathe hand tools ect ect.
As time goes by your skill levels go up, dont be afraid to do courses ,welding ,machining,One that I find very important is learn how to use a CAD system as this will allow you to design your parts be able to hand or email someone a drawing so they can make it for you.
You will find that you will sell those skills and make things for other people from time to time but don't give it away.
Ask questions ,how did you make that , why did you do it that way , how does it work.
Never be embarrassed to ask, I am 46 this year and as I have asked a lot of questions and I am never embarrassed about it.
Read books.
Look at pictures.
What this is all getting to Jordon is you can cut the cost of the build if you tackle things yourself.
Yes it takes longer but I for one enjoy that side of it also it controls the speed at which the money is spent as you have other things in your life to deal with as Ian Anderson has stated.
I purchased a chassis and body of RF and have built everything else.
I think I paid $23.000 and could have been less , doing it again I would have built my own chassis and I paid for stuff I never used but that is part of the education.
Someone made mention starting your own business is the way to go.
For me that has been the case I have had a service workshop for 25 years and it has given way more than I could ever have got working for someone.
One day you will have a wife Jordon and you will need a garage to escape to.
Jim