Doing it yourself is the only way to free yourself from the bonds of the LBS. Go to it!!
I would invest the money in, at the very least, a good spoke wrench. And at least a consumer level truing stand, though the Park Shop stand is really not that expensive. Don't forget the dishing tool.
For the cost of a new wheel you can get all the tools you will ever need. Sheldon Brown's website talks in depth about do-it-yourself repairs. It is free and a good source of knowledge.
Have fun!
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