Custom PCB’s in small quantities
Apparently, there exist companies that will manufacture small custom PCB’s for cheap (i.e. starting at ~$20 for ~20 square inches of single-sided PCB) and quickly (3-4 days), take orders online, and ship to American consumers. Knowing about these services would have made my life a year ago significantly easier. Random slashdot comments have recommended Custom PCB of Malaysia and OLIMEX Ltd. of Bulgaria. Caveat emptor — I have not personally used these services, I have only read about them.