Dont go cheap. Just put all the necessary money up front and do it right or don't do it at all. The most expensive partm is the initial investment.
Lousy advice.. (although I know you meant it in a more 'don't do things cheaply' kind of way which I do understand',., do things right the first way,.. I get it.
Yet...
While I admit it might not be enough for some folks, any time you can grow all the high grade grass you need for personal consumption for about 100 bucks, just do it..
You can do a lot in a small space, some poster board, and cheap lights.
A daily thing, month in and month out, producing ounces that would add up to thousands over the amount and time.. for about 100 bucks.
Tossing money at technology does not a good grower make. Sometimes it is about doing with what you have, and making it work. I could not of been happier for 100 clams.. What more could a guy like me want? I only do this for me. this is EASY and cheap.. maybe 8-10 bucks a month in electricity. The same lights have lasted 3 years worth of nearly perpetual harvests.. they have many more to go.. although I did lose two over the years.. I replaced them at Albertsons.
Anyone who wants to grow, should grow. Any grow is a good grow. Anyone on a budget, can probably scrap up enough to start a legitimate grow.
Just one guys thoughts.. I just hate seeing people with little money buying other peoples grass when they can do it themselves even better often, for almost free..