I have no idea why people think custom frames are megabuck range.
Curtlo - under a $1,000
De Salvo $1395
Carl Strong $1650
Rock Lobster $1250
Landshark $1350
etc.
Check out the options.
Off the rack is often more expensive than custom.
Keep in mind that most of these frame builders are back ordered out the whazoo and have wait times in the years.