I went all in with the rdwc.. Ive spent over $6000 (including all the times I changed things) to get everything exactly how I want it.
I have a tabletop clone station thats already had amazing results, a 5x5 tent with elevated 12 bucket veg system, 10x10 flower tent with 6 or 12 17 gallon sites. I have heat, ac, humidifier, and all the air circulation i could ever need.
Most of my equipment is easily replaceable or has a 5+ year warranty. Very little upkeep, can pretty much ignore it for weeks at a time.
Water, electric, and nutrients are pretty much only recurring costs.
$200 a month higher for utilities at peak when I had a full flower and a veg going, but dont plan to do that again.
My first crop alone paid for over half of it VS what I would have spent on that at a dispensary.