man i live in the same area... I FEEL SO SORRY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this area is so fucked up now you cant get away with anything no matter how small
all i can say is get to know a mechanic and get to know him well!!!!!!! get him to do everything and anything and eventually they will do shit for you.
unfortunately the time frame you have doesnt help, it took me 2 years to get shonkies passed by my mechanic (hell i would get him to do my timing AND I HAVE A TIMING GUN AND KNOW HOW TO ADJUST IT)
but to get passed do this:-
- OIL LEAK : degreaser an hour before you get it checked so that the water can dry
- RUST : $5 niki, $1 sand paper, $10 spray can primer & $10 paint
- MUFFLER : hopefully $10 wrecker muffler and AROUND $30 to get it fitted (unless you got an oxy)
- BEARING - just go get it adjusted