I totally understand. If you wanted to get started as cheaply as possible, Str8shooter has a MEC for sale in the classifieds for $90 delivered. That's not a bad deal considering a new one will run you close to $200 after shipping charges. Looks like it needs a good cleaning and a couple of bottles ($5 each).
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...420#Post2722420
Don't hesitate to let me know if I can help you later on.