I wouldn't budget for less than 1K.
Yeah, there are some pitfalls and gotchas. But if you're not in a rush, you can keep an ear to the ground and get some great deals on top-end stuff. You do need to have an idea of what to look for though. I was able to get highland bands, a halcyon manifold, an ALBP, Mk25 first stage and Halcyon/Agir doubles wings for the low range I listed, but those aren't typical used prices, which is why I included an upper range.
You CAN do it for well less than 1k, the deals are out there if you're patient. If you need it now though, you pay the instant gratification tax.