hey guys I am new to the ss/fixie scene and I'm stuck in a dilemma right now. I would like to build a decent fixie for cheap from used parts and a used road frame. The idea of building the bike up myself is one of my main attraction (making it my own and knowing it in and out). Thing is when I priced adding up the cost for buying and picking up parts from craigslist etc to do the build (one that will definitely look like a pretty good beater) it turns out more than the cost to get one of these new here on ebay for less.

just want some advice so I can reason on what would be better for me right now. (finding cheap male 50-52cm road bikes is a little tougher than the taller bikes... price for being short )