There are many ways to make this hobby very cheap on the hobbyist. One just has to use the resources we have access to today. Like resale shops, Fleamarket sales. garage sale(learn some 50+ years ago about these They have saved me thousands on my needed or wanted items in my home from Cutco knives Revell pots and pans and many many more items)sure most rc items wont be modern times things but you do find Gems .
About 6 years ago seen a estate sale were 1 rc 10 gold chassis car was pictured driving a 2-track trail about 3/4 miles off the main road also dirt walked in 3 story house with a basement. found 10 rc 9 bnib sealed in plastic. paid 10$ for all put online sold all.I did same type of thing 3 weeks ago but drive was 3 hours 1 way.took my 12' covered trailer and packed a lunch. Got 48 planes all electronics 8 radios and 8 coffee cans filled with wooden props.Old school chargers and alot more RC stuff.sold all the planes and stuff before the drive home was over .sold all for $1200..(paid 30$ .75$ in gas .time) Yes I own a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara a 2019 Corolla and a 2023 Honda Insite Yes I've been retired since I turned 27 Because when I was 25 I came up with a plan stuck to it .