Keep in mind your desired timeline, these are a lot of work. A _lot_ of work. I wanted to be done in a little over a year- well, year three sailed by before I was finished. And I would not get selling it what I put into it, even in terms of materials costs.
That being said- it is as you say, completely custom, completely built to my exact needs. The flaws and features are all intentional, it fits our lifestyle perfectly. Would I do it again: I'm thinking about it next year.
Btw, my girlfriend and I were looking at THoW (Tiny Houses on Wheels) before going the skoolie route. She had the same reaction as you, until I both showed her conversion videos and we went to see a bus in person. Then it clicked for her.