A: Hi Rob,
Thanks for the question,
you'll need a Bubble subscription only when you want to put the app on your own domain and remove Bubble's banners, otherwise you can build the app on the free "hobby" plan (unless there are some complex features that are available only in paid plans).
Unfortunately don't think Bubble is about to do any lifetime deals any time soon. Sorry about that.
Please let us know if you have any other questions
Thanks!