alignment tools?

[snappytravis]

So just thinking about buying a home do it yourself alignment setup. I would like to be able to do alignments on my projects myself, I need to set it up pretty much for street use. However it would be nice if I do get into some autocross action to make adjustments and then change back to the normal street setup. I have seen the stringline kit for around $400.00. I think I may have scored a set of plates off a old alignment machine at the dealership I use to work for. Would like some input on what everyone does if they do it themselves or go to the aligment shop and pay the man... Thanks