Nothing into Something

Hi I just moved here from Ohio for the summer and I need a bike like WHOA. I have been riding a really rickety road bike that has alignment issues, the brakes don't work, and neither do the gears, On top of that I am borrowing the bike. I need to get my own bike but have been finding the prices to be ridiculous, for more rickety bikes. I need to get/make a quality bike that i can ride from Santa Monica to Hollywood (on a daily basis) I really don't want to drive but I might have to if I cant find a reasonable bike. Being a college student with an unpaid internship its pretty rough.

I was wondering if this was the type of place that you can build a reasonable bike for a low cost. I do not have a frame or anything to start with but have hopes of making a road bike or a hybrid.

Please Help

Sincerely,
Angie