You can find experts who will create a high end theme for less than $1000, but it is very rare. They have to have highly developed skills and systems to allow them to develop super rapidly. They should also be very good at communication and understanding your needs. But around the $100 mark? You aren't even going to get decent theme modifications for that price... unfortunately :/
I hope you have had some good luck recently, and that it all works out for the best in the end.