I'm hoping some of the Vegas locals can lend some advice. I'm headed to Shot this year and I'm on a (sad) budget, where can I stay/eat for cheap without getting murdered or hepatitis?

Pahrump. Primm. South Point.

My first time in Vegas I was lured in by the low price of the Days Inn Wild Wild West. At the time, they advertised being a block from the strip. They failed to mention that block contained I-15. When my cab from the airport dropped me off, the driver closed with “Watch out for the hookers at this place, they’ll rob ya”.

I didn’t have any problems, Room was sufficient for a single guy to shit, shower, and shave. YMMV.

There's people that rent rooms in their homes on Air BnB. It is pretty cheap to go that route (like sub $50).  My hipster musician step brother likes to stay places using that and enjoys being a "guest" in someone's home. He also likes going from LA to LV on the bus because his "classic" (read old and clapped out) car probably won't make it up the hill outside of Baker.