Welcome to the Board Matt! You will certainly learn alot here.
For the record and not to be a smart ass the "Better off Dead" Camaro is a 67 and was recently restored.
Anyway, back to your question. I'll chime in here as a non-expert, if I understand your question correctly, your asking if you can buy a nice driver local show quality 69 Camaro Coupe (not vert) for around 35k, yes?
I say absolutely! That is a very realistic price. Now I'm not talking numbers matching RS/SS or anything with a pedigree, you get the picture, but a solid clean driver that you would be proud to take to the Walmart cruise night.
I actually think $22.5 - $30 would get you there if your patient and don't mind scouting cross country. You may even be able to pick up a vert for $40k
Dig around here and ask questions, also check out
www.camaros.net They have been very helpful to me.
As to your other question, I believe some on this board do drive their projects or pt cars daily, I think Camaroboy69 does, just not sure who else.
Remember when looking, always check the usual rust areas that Camaros are famous for and don't be afraid to ask for help when looking at a car. I find it's a good idea to bring a friend, who doesn't have to be a musclecar guru, just a sober opinion since you'll be falling in love with all these cars you go look at.
Good luck with your search and let me know if you need some links to muscle classifieds, I have a few good ones that I found during my search.
Rob