I have previously used a Squal 2 tent for my wife and I, but am interested in experimenting with a solo tarp to see if I like it. I would like some recommendations on something that is reasonably light, but mostly cheap. I don't want to invest a whole lot in SUL stuff until I know that I like it. I would also be willing to make one if that seems like the cheapest options. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

I'd be interested in what others say on this as well as I'm thinking of experimenting with a tarp too.
Are you looking for a flat or shaped tarp?
A flat tarp can be made with a sheet of tyvek or polycro from home depot. You could even just buy a cheap blue Walmart tarp and pitch in in the backyard to see. There's been some good threads in MYOG recently about the ridgelines and tie-outs.. Shaped is gonna be a little more difficult but not impossible. You might be able to tape one together from the above materials just to see if you like it.

I don't think the shape really matters to me... or at least i don't know until I try!

I bought a 6X8 flat tarp here two years ago. It kept me dry last night (just left a post on another thread). Also found a Mantis bug net on sale... it is a bit figity to hang but it works. Practice settting up and you'll be fine.

Making your own would definitely be the least expensive option. A flat tarp wouldn't be too difficult to make. Do you plan on using a bivy with it? If not, I think an 8x10 would be a good size. If you're looking for smaller, John at Borah Gear sells a 5x9 for around $50 here: http://ulgear.blogspot.com/p/5x9-silnylon-tarp.html.

See this thread for ideas on the cheapest decent tarp I know of.

Here's how I'd break it down:

Flat Tarp: Just a big, flat rectangle of fabric. Pretty easy to make, pretty cheap to buy. Can be pitched in all sorts of origami-like configurations. Some people like learning a bunch of different pitches, and like the concept that a simple tarp can be used in so many different ways. In principle, so do I. In practice, not so much.

Catenary-cut Tarp: Has a catenary curve sewn into the long ridge line, which makes getting a taut pitch much easier. Pretty much limited to a-frame configuration. Without doors or beaks, can the lightest option. Designing the cat-cut is a little tricky, but otherwise about as easy to make as a flat tarp. Plenty of ready-made versions, too.

Shaped Tarp: Think tent fly or single-wall tent, but without an integrated floor (use a ground sheet or bivy). Typically can be pitched low to the ground for 360* protection, meaning no splash-resistent bivy required. Usually only one basic way to pitch, but should be just as easy to pitch as a well-designed tent. Often three or more panels of fabric, multiple cat-cut seams, and zippered door(s), although can be pretty simple as well (see pic below). Typically harder to make, more expensive to purchase. Plenty of designs out there: SMD Wild Oasis, MLD 'Mids and Trailstar, to name only a few. Here's one I made (two pieces of 1.1 silnylon fabric, no door, 9.7 oz weight including guylines):