There are often places that will sand blast and powder coat a frame for not too much.

Around here, this ad has been popping up on Craigslist from time to time.
$50 bicycle powder coating

That Torelli above probably has a replacement fork, which can be good or bad... lots of comments on non-original forks on the web. But the price still isn't too bad for a local pickup.

Also look for a local bike co-op that sells bikes, frames, and components for not too much, as well as providing shop space.

If you want a unique custom job, then there is nothing better to get something and start tinkering on it. Although, I could imagine some limitations if you are living in a college dorm or something similar. Still, you could start acquiring the tools you need, or find a place you could do the work.