the most i have spent was $400 on an Ibanez, which i flipped for a MIM Tele, i probably got screwed on the deal but i love that tele and couldnt get it on with a floyd
I would/have considered spending around 3 bills for a warmoth neck, but it would be EXACTLY what i wanted out of a strat neck: SRV contour, 7.5 radius, ebony board, graphite nut, 6105 frets, glossy tint finish, small headstock, etc
if i were to build a strat i could easily spend 8 hundred USD for bits and pieces. The same probably goes for a new guitar.
ONLY circumstance is if i find a Vintage Jag i couldnt live without/serious bro deals