You can get a Stag Arms Model 3 Seen one at Dick's for $850.
You could look into finding parts to build a palmetto state armory. I see their lower in the classifieds everyone in a while, then all you need is one of their rifle build kits and your set.
I'm looking into getting my first AR as well, and making it a Doublestar. Speaking of which... anybody want to donate to a local cause? It's "This guy thats posting needs money to buy his first AR". Anyone ...Anyone?
Only if some of the profits go to the "Buy Patrick His First AR Fund!"
If you go the build route, I got a stock you can have. FREE.
Forgive me for being cynical but what's the catch?
Based on what I've seen I probably won't find a good AR, at least a new one, for less than $900 at the very least, but I could work with that. I'm willing to go to a grand or slightly more than that.
You could do some looking around on the link (there are quite a few people on here that have built PSA rifles from bits and pieces to ordering everything at once). The 14.7" hammer forged kit and the 16" M4a1 kits are pretty high on my list for my next build. I went with the mock dissipator rifle kit and had around $800 (maybe slightly more with shipping and transfer fee for the lower). Their standard lowers are back in stock @ $79.95. They've got several rifle kits in stock for $629.95. Add in MOE lower kit and the Magpul rear sight, you'll still be rocking a very solid rifle for under $900.
Rifle Kits - AR-15
I built my lower while watching a video on Youtube. It took maybe 45 minutes because I stopped once to see what my dog was doing. I picked up maybe $15 worth of tools to do the build (only because I couldn't find the proper size punches in my tool box). Building the lower is something that doesn't really require much skill or knowledge.
Plenty of Youtube videos out there and some decent guides.
I used the ar15.com guide and just let one of the Youtube videos play.
:: Guides
GunTech : Assembling Lower Receiver - Section 7 - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS