The Neons are a good direction Tanner. They were under priced, and had as much as a 2000 rebate when sold new. Many on the market, and great mileage. The 2.0 is cheap and small. Easy to work around. Parts are the same regardless if its a plymouth or dodge.

I drive my Challenger, and also have a 2008 300C. Thats 2 hemis, and I STILL keep at least 1 neon.
Mopar2ya has 2 SRT8 Challengers, and when he's not driving his muscle, he's in his neon. Not the best car of its time, but a killer deal because they were discounted for so many years. I like my current 2005 neon. It has all power features, and a 5 speed. I get 35 miles to the gallon and put cheap gas in it. I see Neons well below the 100,000 mile mark for under 2500 all the time.
At the money you are looking to invest, you need to give up something Tanner... Looks wont get you home, or better MPG. A hot rod, or anything with power mods would be silly, because you know how it was treated before you got it. Many of the darker colors from the late 90's had a peel/fad issue. This makes these cars even cheaper, but its not something you would ever wax. I would rather have a sound runner, good mileage and decent tunes. Looks are just a plus you cant really use to decide.

I would advise on a 5 speed, but more automatics were made in 97-99, and the stick cars seem to hold better book. The transmission is about 350.00 in a junk yard, and its a tuff auto trans!

Good luck