Wow where to start?
Yes you can make beer cheaper than you can buy it unless your goal is to make Keystone or Coors.
I do 10gal all grain batches regularly and cost varies from $25 - $60 per batch which is less than $1 a beer and you cant buy good beer for that at the liquor store.
You definitely have some equipment investment that gets paid down the more you brew.
Brewing is for people who enjoy it kind of like cooking. Its not simple but if its your passion then its always fun.
I have been brewing mostly my own recipes for several years and have made some really good stuff. You can make beer that is as good or better than most commercial beers with a little practice and education.
My first suggestion is to read John Palmers "How to Brew".
Then buy and use a brewing software like Beersmith.
http://beersmith.com/
And to get a subscription to BYO.
http://byo.com/
I have brewed around 150gal per year the last few years and actually plan to up that this year.
Right now I have 5 beers either on tap or in the bottle from Pilsners to Stouts to Brett Beers.
I am not an expert but have brewed a lot the last 4 years and if you have questions I am willing to help if I can.
Extract
Mini Mash
Brew In a Bag
All Grain Multi Vessel
They all make good beer if you do it right.
