I posted this before looking for topics, but it kinda ended up being online support for general bicycle troubles.
Which is a good thing! Ask your questions about bicycles that are currently on your mind and we all try to help.
Pre-Emptively calling in @dallasw and @Kissmydadonthelips for their knowledge.
I wish building wheels was a more practical skill. It’s really cool and you get great wheels but it’s so expensive compared to buying machine made wheels.
I think it's sort of a puff pastry deal. Yes, you can do it yourself, but it's such a hassle and price unless you're really into it, it's not going to be worth it.
What I have done is go buy some cheap (but quality) wheels at the co op and then re-use the spokes, nipples, and sometimes hubs laced to new rims. Or used rims. Usually my custom builds are hyper-specific and weird. People say not to reuse spokes but i've never had a problem even doing like loaded touring and stuff.