I've found that if time is the most important factor and it's short , building a kit may not be the best choice. The SE is a great kit but there are enough challenges that if you're watching the clock you may get frustrated. By the time you get covering and incidentals the $ difference is what, $100 ? That may work out to a couple of bucks an hour. I like to build but find it's more enjoyable when it happens at its own pace.
I built the SE as a second plane but backed off and went to another because I was concerned it was too big a step. In retrospect I'm glad I did but every situation is different.
BTW the SE is great!