If you're on a tight budget, your best bet is to look for a OpenWRT- or DD-WRT-capable router at your local thrift stores. I'm using a linksys/cisco consumer router as a wireless bridge. DD-WRT apparently supports more of the closed-source chipsets.

I have an EdgeRouter POE and a UAP-lite - might've gotten the cheaper edgerouter if I'd realized the UAP single-pack comes with a power injector. I wouldn't buy the edgerouter POE again, as it uses non-standard passive POE. If I want to be "safe" about the cables I'm running, I'm going to have to buy this device: http://tycononline.com/TP-POE-2456D-24VDC-Passive-POE-IN-to-...

EdgeRouter X + UAP-lite would be around $130.

Yes, it's not cheap at first glance. But when you realize that you don't have any maintenance issues anymore and there is no need to buy a new router every few years, it becomes apparent that it has paid off.

Not having all the functionality in one device helps a lot as well. Not satisfied with your AP anymore? Buy a new one. No need to change anything about the router and other network infrastructure.