Bill, If you like to build then buy a kit. If you want to fly then consider buying an already built RV-6. You can purchase a flying plane as inexpensively as a kit that you will build. At least it is my observation that the time one puts in the building process is not reimbursed much (maybe not at all) in the selling price.
If you want to have the repairman's certificate then building is the only way to go. People will argue the 50% rule but do not let that put you off of purchasing any kit. A kit may be built by a group and then one person from the group will be able to get the certificate. I have never heard of an RV applicant for a Repairman's Certificate (RC) being turned down by the FAA.
If the RC is not a big deal and you want to fly next summer you have several months to find a good RV and probably would not spend much more than you would building (maybe less).
Good Luck