To be honest, I only noticed it when I got their LEO/MIL price list and had to dig around on here a bit to even find a post about it. Super under the radar
Im in the same boat actually, it depends on where you look. There's lots of threads on where to start. I'm starting a Howa build that would be done over the next year or so (funds willing) that will be just about 700.
Then get on here and read, read, read. Not saying asking questions is wrong, but there's a wealth of knowledge on here to be had. That's what I've been doing the last few months.
Depends on what you want in the aftermarket, there is one chassis for howa that I am aware of but B&C,manners and Mcmillian all make stocks for the 1500 and there are several choices for replacement triggers
I'm a little older than you (19 almost 20),but I'll be putting a 24" heavy howa barreled action in .223 in a B&C A2 stock here within the next year-18 months as my first rifle build. When I did the math on just parts that came out right at 700 with shipping on stock and ffl on the action. Buds...
I'd be curious to know if anyone has heard anything about aftermarket support as well. Love my RAR in .270, looks like the .223 predator would be a good starting point for a build.