If you know how to manage your turns right, it's not that difficult. I've done it successfully several times, you just have to be very patient, and be willing to hold turns (which sometimes becomes boring).

Yes tech prices are a bit lower, but they are always around 2k at this point of you use orders.

And if you're good, you buy the tech and let some guys bottom feed you for under 100 acres a hit, and put you in DR for your jump.