Last spring I had a gentleman in NY build me a rando w/fork out of 531 for $700

Geekhouse is not exactly regional, they're national.

Call Doug Fattic in Michigan, if you tell him your measurements he'll get you in under a 1k in SS most likely. Doug has an apprentice who loves art bikes and feeds that habit with mainstream TIG'd steel.

Talk to Quiring they'll build with lower grade steel than usual and keep it on or about 1K

That's MI

Mercian can build in 631 for $1025 no fork though..

With custom you have to look then call, if it's in your ball park they can probably make it happen for your price.

White isn't

Serotta Isn't

Sachs isn't

Zank isn't

and on and on.

Think local..