I'm in a similar situation myself... I'm about to do my first shoot that's not of a friend, and for money. Within the next couple of months I have two other definite shoots. I want to make a good impression and do a good job so I can keep the word of mouth spreading. I have three choices:
1) A jury-rigged setup of my floor lamp (with 3 adjustable lamps), a clip on lamp attached to my father's cymbal stand, and a external flash borrowed from a friend, and diffusers made from scrap plastic. The floor lamp does an adequate job of throwing light; it's what I used for my
self portrait... or
2) Putting a little money on my Amazon credit card and get this
Smith Victor 3 light set or maybe this
1250 Watt one instead (though that one is probably overkill, and some reviews say it is overpowering in a small room)
3) Support my local camera shop (always a good thing) and get one light, and have my floor lamp fill in from the other side, in addition to borrowing the flash... (for that matter, I could get a flash on credit too, but that way lies debt and madness)