Hard to offer advice on what parts to get without knowing your budget. Just be aware you get what you pay for.
Absolutly, you get what you pay for. I've had more home built AR's come into my shop in the last 2 months than you can shake a stick at! Fail to either feed, fire, or eject and built of cheap junk at that! Spend a little extra now, you'll be glad you did later.
I'd like to keep it under $500. Is that possible without having a piece of crap?
What's the shortest barrel/overall length allowed by law?
Looks like I'm stuck with an A2 upper due to budget?