I saw a exess 1911 receiver for sale on Midway.
Actually IN STOCK?
I built a 1911 lower last year to dedicate to my Ciener .22 slide.
The Double Star receiver was $99. Internals ran about $150
I have seen blem receivers a low as $70.
The only fitting required was the thumb safety and the grip safety. 15 minutes of filework each.
Most of the time and skill of building a centerfire 1911 is in fitting barrel to slide.
You can cookbook that with information found online.