What if I can’t afford an oscilloscope? (+Variable inductor issues)

I’m new to this and everyone says I should have an oscilloscope if I want to do this but I don’t have $800 or a job (I’m trying to get one but nobody is hiring me), and I don’t know if the cheap handheld ones are good or not. Another issue I’m having is finding the variable inductors listed on the 1996 schematic. Everywhere I look says something different and I’m not at all sure what to do. 

"I’m new to this and everyone says I should have an oscilloscope if I want to do this but I don’t have $800 or a job (I’m trying to get one but nobody is hiring me), and I don’t know if the cheap handheld ones are good or not."  - JasonLuiten

Everyone is right, you need a scope to really know what's going on, but don't get a cheap hand-held one.  I'd stick with names like Rigol, Siglent, or maybe Hantek.  You won't need more than 2 channels.  Spend maybe $250 and get something decent.

Can't help you with the variable inductors, it seems all IF transformers and RF chokes suitable for Theremin use have turned into unobtanium.

I'd stick with names like Rigol, Siglent, or maybe Hantek.  You won't need more than 2 channels.  Spend maybe $250 and get something decent.

The cheapest one I could find from any of them is $375, which I can’t afford