I built my AR during the last panic, but managed to still "only" pay MSRP for the pieces. Total came to around $1300 - BUT that was with cerakote coating on upper & lower, custom engravings, mid-range nitride barrel, NiB BCG, free float tube, Magpul grip & stock, quick disconnect point on reciever end plate, RAPTOR charging handle, ambi safety, etc. Getting a gun with those specific parts wasn't even possible, so I would have spent WAY more getting a gun and replacing everything. For a cheap no-frills plinker you can get a "sporter" AR for much less, probably half that.
"Be Prepared"