[Twinge]

You don't have very many options at that price. Don't forget you'll need to buy shirts and transfer paper too, possibly ink and a printer also (if you don't already have the right types). You might want to try subleting your work and having someone else print the shirts where you just sell them until you can make enough to afford what you need.

If you decide to go ahead and buy a press soon, I'd suggest finding a used one. Call up local screen printers and t-shirt businesses and ask around - see if anyone has a used heat press they'd like to sell, or if they know of anyone who might.

 

[Twinge]

As far as I've gathered, they may be worthwhile just for learning the process or having fun with, but they are no good for much of any actual t-shirt selling or business. Just for you and some friends, though, it should work fine.

 

[Twinge]

There are also some varities of fabric markers you can use to draw directly on to the shirt.

 

[Twinge]

Your main options are to either A) Buy vinyl letters from somewhere like Stahls (probably better if you only need 1 of each name or such) or B) order plastisol transfers from somewhere like Silver Mountain (good if you need at least 6 of each design, doesn't require extra effort to lay out the letters evenly).