In my experience this sort of thing is definitely worth it due to the knowledge and insights you will gain. However, monetarily, expect to spend 2-3x the cost o

In my experience this sort of thing is definitely worth it due to the knowledge and insights you will gain. However, monetarily, expect to spend 2-3x the cost of the commercial offering (you will go through at least 2 and likely 4 or more revisions and components will cost more in low quantities).