Are you looking for a project? In my experience you either sail a boat or work on it, seldom both in the same season. Fiberglass/epoxy work isnt hard but it sure eats into sailing season. For a first boat I would get one that's ready to go, but realize none are, so you can sail more than sweat/sand/paint.
I dont know your market but around here you can get a good/decent one for ~1k.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/2333520456.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/2358241524.html