Very nice everyone!

I'm actually researching so I can build my first AR. So, any advice is welcomed. It will be mostly for HD and when/if SHTF. So far I know I want a 5.56 flat top upper with a 1x7 twist, preferably chrome lined. No quad rail gaurd but, a modular unit to place pic rails where I feel necessary. Iron sites with option to mount optics and standard collapsable stock. Brand names are not a "must" but quality is. Also, this will be a budget build. So, if you guys have spare parts that fall into the previouse categories....please let me know.

Any input or advice/suggestions? Please be cival as I am a total newb to this platform, thanks.