So I have been stocking ar15.com for some time and finally joined. I had to sell my beloved Bushmaster so my kids could have Christmass. As my work has gone to crap because of Obama Care, I am a RN. Now that the government is giving me some money back for taxes I am building my first AR-15. I am debating between a Delton or a J&T VS building my own upper. I feel like I am not truly building my gun if I buy an assembled upper. It seems like after buying tools that it might be cheaper just to buy an assembled upper. Can anyone give me any thoughts or suggestions?

If you find an upper with exactly what you want buy it (barrel, rails, etc).    If not build it.

I like tools, but I can't personally justify tools that I may only use once, even though I can sell them.

I have no doubt I could build an upper, but I choose to buy complete.

I build my lowers though

If you can find an upper close to what you want why not buy it and modify it later when money is more stable? Tools can get expensive, you might want to look around and see if anyone around you has tools you can use. Good luck with your build

You can make your own vice blocks from wood if your handy enough. I bought a tapco armorers wrench from Amazon for about $30 shipped if you have prime and it has worked many of times.  

Anymore complete uppers are plentiful and pretty reasonably priced.

What about BCG this one seems well priced from RRA for $110
http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=377

Hey, I am an RN here in Texas. In fact, 42 years as an O.R. nurse. I have been infected with AR15 builds in the last year and have 15 AR's, now. If you have any questions, please fell free to message me. I can steer you to several parts websites and offer any advice you may need. I was an FFL holder for about 20 years, so not new to the game.
Also, I have learned to cerakote and that has been a really rewarding experience. A few simple AR tools will not set you back much, especially if you decide to do more builds, later.
There are guys here who will say all you need is a hammer and a screw-driver - Well, not if you want to do it without f'ing everything up.
Get:
AR Vise Block
Roll Pin Punches
Armorers tool
Brass/Nylon Hammer
Regular punch set
Calipers (optional)
Hex key set (grip, bad lever, etc.)
Torque wrench (borrow)
Magwell block (nylon)
Gas block jig (for dimpling barrel) for lo-pro gas block.
Lase bore-sighter, for MBUS sights
Lots of protective tape! To insulate against stray hammer strikes!

As a fellow RN I will say to build your own. Nothing more rewarding in my opinion. I just finished my first with the help of a forum member and I think I will build the rest from here on out!

Building an upper is quite easy to do. It is enjoyable, at least to me. Building also offers the flexibility to assemble the upper exactly how you want it.

What about BCG this one seems well priced from RRA for $110
http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=377


Those are ok, but, I would opt for a full auto one from any number of places. Check Palmetto State Armory, Joe Bob's Outfitters, Primary Arms, etc. You should be able to score a Premium  M16 Full Auto MPT/HP for $119 to $149, which would be much better, in my opinion. I just bought a Spikes ($139) from Joe Bob's, but since I also bought a Joe Bob's  upper stripped receiver, it was reduced to $119.
You might even consider this. I bought two here: Bolt Carrier
Keep watching websites like Palmetto State for sales. They usually have great deals on major holidays. Their Premium M16 Bolt Carriers are $109 when they have a sale. Right now they are $149. So waiting can pay huge dividends, later.
I personally would stay away from their PTAC line of parts, but that is an option for many on a budget.

I also bought a couple of these:Brownells Bolt Carrier Group They are good to go!
I have also bought three BCM's, 1 Rubber City Armory BCG's, but they ran about $189 to $250. Since I am not a competitive shooter, I have opted for the mid-range BCG's from here on out.