First thing I did after passing my test, is bought a Yaesu FT-8800, Samlex 23 amp power supply, Diamond NR-770 mobile antenna, Diamond X-50 base antenna - & 35 ft of LMR-240 coax. I use one radio between my base and my mobile. Sure it was a bit of money; but it covered two distinct uses for the same radio. So - I saved some money - if you look at it that way. You can do the same thing with used gear instead of new gear - and save even more money.
I use my 10 meter/export radio - I just turn down the modulation and turn off the echo. Get great reports from just about every Ham both DX/local. Of course your Tech license has limitations on 10 meters; but it is a fun band to work!