I would assume that if he's really going to go for it:

- it'd be a good idea to apprentice with someone who has a shop (even after the Yates thing)
- he will eventually need real equipment
- chances are some of that equipment can be had used

Unfortunately I'm not sure that many people can really make a living off of building custom frames. He might be better off working as a bike mechanic somewhere and doing frames on the side, until or unless he builds a reputation and can make a little income off of it.