Hi brian
welcome to iis.

.. I don't believe you need much cash to throw a scope together ..you seem pretty resourcefull ...and theres plenty of info out there to do just that.
(edit).. a member has genorously offered an uneeded 8" primary for pickup.. and in keeping with that I would be happy to freight it on to you at no cost as well .. please drop me a pm if interested and we can chat a little more .
cheers graham