I'm putting together my first AR with my son. Unfortunately they don't have a webelo merit badge for black rifle assembly, but I digress. Since it's my first AR I'm kinda running blind. My question is about my upper. I want to assemble a flat top with a light weight 14.5 inch barrel. Permanently attach a Vortex, mid length handguards with rails (YHM ?) and flip down front sight. Would I be better off buying the parts and doing it myself or having a pro do it? Is there any company that would have this in stock? Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Wedge

To have a 14.5" midlength you would have to cut down a 16" midlength.  ADCO is selling the 16"s and I'm certain they'd cut one to 14.5" and install a Vortex perm.  YHM makes a midlength FF tube with rails but not a handguard set as of yet.

very cool father/son project.  you will find everything you need to knonw here at ARFCOM.  if you go to http://www.adcofirearms.com/rockriver/upperbuild.cfm?page=rra you can build your own M4 upper and get a price right there.  if you want to save money i would wonder through the EE and have a look.  you can usually fun thing like hanguards, parts kits and uppers there for reasonable prices new or used.

Use this as a guide to build.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=202467

Hope this helps.
Jservis