Aw c'mon Bill, you're being kind to bring me into this as you are the guru of all things dirt drop...
spot on as always, how we shift our gears can cripple a budget minded build. I know Bill utilizes this trick, I've done so plenty of times as I'm sure many on this thread have, look for a local bike that affordable and has some of the parts you need for your drop bar build. Buying that bike for parts allows you to save on retail/Ebay prices, you end up with some parts you need plus a frame and spare parts to hustle in the trading threads, back on Craigslist, or your local co-op.
Best of luck and have fun!!!