short range coms

Well, it was possible until you added "at a cheap rate."

What it requires is a large number of repeaters linked together.

Your pocketbook is more the limit than anything else.

 

what it requires most is knowledge, I'd say. You need to build a low-ish wire dipole and get a shortwave receiver capable of SSB, and start listening to hams in your area. Use QRZ.COM to look up the callsigns you hear so you know where you're hearing. As an added bonus you'll begin to understand "ham speak" so when you go get your license you'll be ready to jump in and join them.

Total cost just to listen: maybe $200 depending on how nice a roll of wire you need, how good and how new of a receiver you can find... It could be done for free (plus labor) if you already have a receiver and can find or scrounge some discarded wire.