I'm going to say something shocking -- there's nothing wrong with bootstrapping your grow op. I have been seriously seed-starting for several years now and after investing in dozens of products (many a huge waste of money as it turns out) I have concluded that you really only need 4, maybe 5 supplies to get started:

Protect yourself from injury and bacteria by wearing gloves. Leave the crappy all-fabric ones (I know, the floral prints are adorable) and grab the ones with the rubberized palms!