Sometimes I wonder this and then look up how much it costs to get some job done and realize I'm probably still coming out substantially ahead.

You still need to account for a fun factor. I've got a nas which cost me probably $400 in parts to save on buying a $300 solution. But it's mine, janky, fun and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I know my local library loans out tools, I wonder if I can gift my use once tools to them so someone else could borrow them instead of buying?