Get what you can afford and don't listen to the haters. You can always upgrade parts as they break.

I just got the cheapest FG bike of BD and I'm loving it. I got it to have fun on, commute a little, beat up, and get exercise. And if it gets stolen(semi-likely, since petty theft is the leading career in baltimore city) I'm only out about $300 bucks. The only upgrade it NEEDED was a cushier saddle. I have a boney ass and the stock seat made me feel like I was Ava Devine after a day of shooting.

I'm not qualified to speak about wrenching on a bike, and I don't want to tell you "you can do it" and then have you not tighten something properly and kill yourself, but that's basically exactly what I'm going to do...

I was intimidated at first by buying from BD and having to assemble it myself. But it was very easy. And yes I took nearly everything apart and made sure it was greased/re-greased. Despite some others experiences - my bike was adequately greased from the factory - Still, I'm glad I checked. The only tools I needed that I didn't have were a chain whip to get the hub off. And a lock ring tool to get the lock ring off. Both of these tools cost me around $40(for both) and now I have them for future projects/maintenance. You can learn how to do it all from a book or Youtube. And once you've done it yourself you feel so confident that you can fix and tune up your bike.

Its a ****ing fixed gear bicycle, not a space station. Take your time, and figure it out. If you feel like your in over your head take it to the LBS, at least you tried.

Sorry for the essay, good luck with your choice.