John-
With it being January, I'd assume you have some time until things pick up in the spring to make your choices. I'd cast as many rods as possible, and the ones you liked most like a couple of times, on the water if possible. Make note of what line was on the rod and the taper of the line.
You mention wanting a 3wt and 5wt, so why not shop around and buy two rods? Maybe used, or one of them being an older fiberglass rod?
There are quite a few budget rod makers out there today, two of the bigger being Echo and TFO.
TFO offers a 3wt a little over $100:
http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/products/rods/signature.html
Echo makes a 'solo' line that sells for $100 and casts great, but not in a 3wt.
http://www.rajeffsports.com/echo_solo.php
As far as reels are concerned, in the 3 and 5 wt sizes they're really just line 'holders,' and you can get by for a number of years on a Korean milled unit (most of what Orvis offers is made in Korea) or someone who cuts out the middle man like Allen
http://www.allenflyfishing.com/ and ofcourse there's nothign wrong with the old school Pflueger medalist series which can be had for $20-30 :
http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/medalist-reel.html
Mind places like Sierra trading post or Red Truck Flyfishing for deals.
Lines and leader are two areas I don't cheap out.
Since you're new I assume you'll be outfitting waders, boots, some outdoor clothing, fly boxes, etc. so I'd go as budget as possible, and if there is some money left over hire a guide for a day, or join the local fishing club and start yourself down the slippery slope of tying...and I think you could nearly outfit two rods for the price of one Orvis rod if you shop smartly.