Ready to roll or in need of resto?

I have been dreaming of owning a 50's split for about 10 years and the time has come to get serious! (I even have the wife's ok)...
Trouble is, I am a builder and pretty much know nothing about vehicles!
Do I keep waiting for the dream car to pop up for sale and buy one ready to roll or purchase an overpriced wreck and pay for restoration?
Not after a show car, just tidy and original.... Budget up to 30K
I am thinking ready to roll is probably the way to go given my automotive knowledge and budget?