Big thanks to everyone who has responded here or reached out privately. It’s been a crash-course, and the 2002 community is great!
Still looking for a driver-quality 2002 for around $12-15k.
I’ve found lots of cars around the $20k price point, but alas, I only have so much money. Paul’s car looks great, but it would cost $2k to ship, which blows the budget.
I may end up in an e21 instead, and can “upgrade” to a 2002 later. I’m holding out hope that I’ll find just the right car, but my wife is getting tired of driving me to work!