Kogswell was selliing a batch of their P/R frame/fork for about $169 earlier this year. This was not advertised, so you'd need to email them. They're tig welded steel.
I take it you live in the rust belt. Lots of people use steel frames though, and unless you're riding on salted roads all winter and not rinsing the bike, steel does just fine.
People buy Nashbar frames because they're cheap. Nothing wrong with that. Just get one, they have a 100% guaranteed satisfaction return policy you know.. . . so if it sucks or is defective . . return it.