Marso,
I’m not going to jump in on the discussion by others here, I will only offer suggestion based on my experience about how to cut costs.
Obviously, if you do all your own work start to finish you’ll save, but it takes just as long (100’s of boards) to become a “decent” (not master) laminator/sander/glosser/polisher/airbrusher/pinliner as it does to become a “decent” shaper, so this may not be for you. I understand the constraints of space to work, noise, equipment, smell, etc., and it’s not always easy for someone to glass themselves. Not to mention the cost of getting all the tools. Unfortunately, even then, NOT mass producing also sucks away $$$ because you don’t have the luxury of “doubling up” on boards during certain steps, and you waste a lot more materials.
However, one place I could really see you saving (percentage wise anyway) is on the blank. I don’t know where you’re located, but I’ve found that the big local do it yourself-er shop here sells blanks that are way higher priced compared to what I found at another supplier further North. For example, a US Blanks 6’2"P nearby is $75, but 1 hour drive North, $55. Big savings. So start shopping around.
But beyond that, try seeking out a distributor who is selling “seconds”. Often times there is nothing truly wrong with the blank (though sometimes there is something VERY wrong) and they can usually be had for 10-20 bucks. Imaging getting 4 blanks for the one you just paid regular prices for! Even if there are minor issues, they can be dealt with. The distributor/manufacturers are happy to be rid of them too.
Overall though, if you really value the process of your hobby, in the long run you’ll get more pleasure, insight, and knowledge from doing things the old-fashioned way, with your own two hands, including full shaping. I build all my boards start to finish, and it took me a long time, but my work is on par with any “professionally” built board. I’m not deluded either, as I am my own harshest critic, and a harsh critic of others as well. My sanding/and gloss and polishing is so good that I have been offered employment by glass shops (plural) after them seeing my finished boards. My costs were high when I started, buying the tools and taking a long time, but I got faster, and most of the tools don’t require replacement too often. Now my costs are materials and sweat.
It gives me great pleasure to ride my own boards. When you can look around the lineup and think “I’m the only person out here who has built their own board start to finish”, that is just so satisfying, and gives high appreciation for anyone doing it for a living too. It helps if you rip on them if you’re looking to sell BTW.
Good luck.