matt - One option might be to go with getting stuff "custom", and buying stuff as you can afford it.. IE, buy the tank, stand, rocks, and a return pump. (And a large warehouse fish bin) (and salt)
Next week - Get the heater, lights, and a return pump, and some plumbing bits
Week after - Get a sump, get a circulation pump
Week after - Skimmer
Week after - probably more lighting.
This way, you can start to plan stuff, and not go, wow, i'm 2k in the hole instantly
Also means that you can pick up some uber special stuff from TM while waiting.