Things to consider that I don't think have been brought up that should be- your SIZE and FIT.
Unless you're matching the size/weight of an original actor from the original trilogy, your chances of properly fitting into most armor kits are going to come at a price- you will either have to be doing a lot of trimming or a lot of shimming. This is why you can't just simply "buy" pre-built armor outside of RS Props. Yes, their product is amazing, but you're more likely to have fit issues that will very much affect your 501st approval, which is why it is very much a better investment of your time and money to get a kit and build it to yourself. No one in the 501st is going to build it for you on their own time, they will likely help, but the idea of not wanting to do any work for it is kind of the wrong mindset here.
