ArciePanda,
I agree with highdesertranger and appreciate so much that you asked before just posting. As you look on the forum, you'll see we rarely have GoFundMe links posted by our members. When someone does unknowingly post a link, we remove it and send the poster a message explaining that it's not allowed except in very rare circumstances (typically by a forum moderator, admin or owner).
That said, this community still has a lot to offer you, perhaps more valuable than money, and I hope you will seek their wisdom and advice.
Before doing a build-out on your van, consider taking weekend or week-long vacations to camp in it to really experience the vandwelling lifestyle firsthand. Just throw a mattress on the floor, take some food and water, and go out and camp when the weather is pleasant. You will learn tons on those small trips. Watch YouTube videos or read about blogs of vans that have been furnished (rather than built out) with pieces from Thrift Stores. A build out is most very definitely not necessary to live this life.
The best to you as you dream and plan. You can do it with what you have now!
Suanne
and Forum Co-Owner
CheapRVLiving, LLC