A stock Jdm is awesome for a daily. Consider importing one. I'd consider Powersteer and AC as necessities for daily duties. You'll need to set aside a good 10k+ though but it'll be turn-key ready to go (4age, t series and most have suspension mods) Minimal rust is obviously another major consideration.
If more into the "build" side of it, the most important thing is a shell with non structural rust. Then you can go about modifying it as you see fit. By the time you have it completed, you would have spent 10k+ as well but it'll be more gradual.
Eddie.