Flyingred is right, you don't "have" to spend big money for record cleaning. You can clean by hand with a GroovMaster (sic) and a modded shop vac or DIY a machine like Chris's for well under $100. You do have to clean however, and hand cleaning is very slow.
I agree with Steveaudio that having one component that's "better" than the rest usually isn't a problem, with one exception. A high level cartridge on a less adequate arm or (especially) table is an invitation to disappointment. Steve's idea to buy a used c-j or ARC phono or preamp w/ phono is excellent. You'll get great performance for the money and a time-tested design. You'll be limited to MM's and HOMC's, but on this budget that's what you should be looking at anyway.
On and on and on we go!.......
