I think it all depends on what the end result is that you want. If you want a valuable , fully restored car that you're afraid to drive then you have to bite the bullet and spend the big bucks. On the other hand, if you want a really nice driver done with less expense but stillhaving a good resale value down the road then I'd suggest you take things a little further yourself. Keep in mind there is a small market for expensive, perfect cars.

Take it down to the bare shell yourself. If it needs any sheet metal work, find someone that is good locally and have that done. Before any bondo, etc. Have the thing totally blasted. Some places will epoxy prime afterwards but in not, invest in a good airless spray system and prime it yourself. Then use a single stage paint and do things like the interior, trunk, underside, engine compartment, etc. yourself. Now send it out for any bondo it needs. At this point you may be comfortable with the spray gun and decide to paint yourself. Base/clear can be forgiving. The end result may not be "perfect" but will likely have a higher return on investment that an all out restoration - which you've already said is not in your budget.