By Daewoo you mean GM no bro. I drive 2014 BMW F80 M3. Got about 80,000km on it after two years. Shits so good.
Looking at buying a VW Golf-R. Anyone have any experience? Seems like a lot of fun and honestly slipped under my radar as I wasn't on the market for a new vehicle.
Okay, so here's what I would do if looking into getting a project car.
1. find something you like style wise, usually best to pick 2-3 options (I'll explain why later).
2. Check aftermarket support, I would go with the most supported option. It has been a fucking nightmare trying to get the most simple items for my ae86 (Windshield seals, headlight switches, etc.)
3. Since you said you were a bigger guy I'd look into something with a kit you can buy to swap in something easy and powerful if it doesn't come with it already (ls1, 1jz, 2jz) or something that has good forced induction options as well as ECU's etc. I know you're thinking, naw, there's no way I would upgrade. BULLSHIT, you are going to blow the engine in that car because it's a project car and probably on it's last legs. Find an easy swap, don't go fucking crazy and do it and be done and drive it. One of my biggest mistakes was going way overboard on the build. At 7 years deep I almost threw in the towel because I forgot the joy I got form the car, at 8 years I drove it again and I was so glad I hadn't sold it. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID, words to fucking live by. Some of these options that I know have LS1/2JZ swaps readialy available are (280z, Miata, RX7 FC, 240sx, E30).
4. If you are really looking for a project for 3k, shit is not going to happen. If you're looking for a project you're going to spend a fuckload of money, period. Maybe not at once but over time it adds up, I'm currently at 27k invested in mine and it's still a pile of shit in comparison for what you think it would be at for that money. If you're really dead set on that being your target for cash then say fuck you to a project, save 2-3k more and buy something already done and just drive it until it explodes.
That's the best advice I can offer. I'd definitely buy something running and driving unless you're a highly motivated individual. I've seen hundreds of projects go to waste because of lazy fuckers, or they just didn't realize how much shit costs. If you have a wife, I also caution this venture. Otherwise, goodluck. I'd like to see what route you plan on going and we will welcome you to the "what vehicle do you drive" thread in SS to show off your progress.
I'm down to discuss more if you have more questions to bounce off me.
EDIT: Shit is full of all kinds of mistakes, I apologize and will try to clean it up later. I was trying to type it out as quickly as possible before going into a meeting.