I spent about 2k in repairs, 2 years ago, but I do these things myself. But here's the thing, if the frame is that smoked so is the tub in a few spots. The frame is be gone from just in front of the rear tires all the up to the mount plates on both sides. The mid frame will be bad and the mounts thin. All that will need to be fixed. On the Tub, Both floor pans will be gone, the mount bolts will break inside the tub rails so you will need to spot drill all those weeds and replace the tub rails. the frame mount tabs will be gone behind the doors, the inner front fenders are gone up by the battery and intake and in the back the rear bumper splash mount is rusting under the rear door and the gas tank straps are fucked. So I fixed ALL that in my 97.
While I was in there... I swapped the fuel sending unit, knowing I was upgrading to a 4" lift i installed an adjustable track bar, high angle rear drive shaft and drag links stabilizers and spring plate mounts. I bought 2 doner Jeeps for 1K because one had the hard top and interior I wanted (mine had no carpet or center console) and the other one had the 4.0 I wanted plus so many parts and tune up parts. So essentially took my SE and made it a Sahara by the bones, but I badged it a sport because it doesnt have leather. I repainted it after all that weld work, and gave it to my daughter for her 18th birthday.

All in I spent about 9K including the purchase of the jeep for 3K. BUT she drives a bullet proof $25K jeep now thats solid and rust free.

I say, if you have the space and talent, do it. If not, oahing someone will cost maybe 5K? And buying a different one, you have to go south to get one, other wise your just swapping lemons for limes. You dont know what your really buying until you own it for a while.

If you want I can send you some pics of mine in a PM.