At least for $17,000 you can bring them a car with a fender tag or build sheet. Also you can have them do a rusty RT which will be worth way more than a slant 6 once done. Also, I can do it for less even charging myself a fair hourly rate then $17,000 they want..... heck, I can get it done in paint for nearly that.
Also, the car here needs the trunk issue (notice no photo was show) addressed and that means most likely putting in a two piece (which looks like you replaced a rusty trunk) or you have to start removing other panels to get a full piece trunk in. Either way, this rust free car is FAR from ready for paint so it's not like one costs you $17,000 and the other is ready to go.
The car is not worth 12K. I wish it was because I would have about twice as much money in cars as I actual do.
If you have money to spend on a rust bucket, US Car Tool does rotisseries on your body for $17,500.
It just makes sense and cents (no pun intended!) to start with a good car!
Time is money if they do it or you do it.
http://www.uscartool.com/bodyinwhite/index.html