spend on DRO, pwr feed or conversion?

I have a 9 x 44 Nantong mill that I have been using with no power feed or
DRO. Lately it's been getting used every day and I'm tired of turning
handles.
My first instinct was to order an X-axis feed and 3 axis DRO. The cost is
only about $1,000 and a couple of hours to modify the end of the lead screw.
My next thought was: "Hmmm... how much more would it cost to convert this
mill to CNC?
I haven't a clue. for example, is there a DRO system I can install that can
be used now as a DRO, and later as I complete the conversion?
Can anyone offer advice and perhaps ballpark cost numbers for me so I can
make a decision?

Thanks In advance!