74 Rust Problem

most 40-50 years old car will need at least a small amount of metal repaired,. when you d a it down there generally will be at least some pin hole rust that needs to be cutout and patched with metal panels. you can learn to do that. anything that needs frame repair needs to be a high end car when restored, and ya better be able to do most of the work yourself even then.....
but like everyone says, I agree , get a better hopefully mostly rusrt free car.... it will be worth paying more for sure.... use your rustbucket for parts and partout and use the $ on the new project....