How do I know which song I record will be worth it?

I understand and I don't think you're a sell out. You should get some people to listen to your songs and ask them which they liked the most. Watch them as the listen to it, see if they really get into! See if it changes their mood or if they start tapping their feet. You should take 30 seconds of each song (so you don't give it all away) and play it for people....maybe even put it on YouTube for random people to decide.

Edited because you responded.

Yeah, home recording is great but you're right that if you want a professional quality product you really benefit from going into a studio. There's a reason studios exist and it's not that they're more expensive than DIY. And don't forget mastering.

Are you trying to record a gigging band that has a following? Because the folks at the radio station are gonna be a little more excited about getting your material if they've heard your name or even been to a show. If this is a solo recording project that no one knows about your goal is more difficult.

So just assuming this is a gigging act, what do your audiences like? That's a good indication of what you're doing well. The 7 minute songs are too long. The 5 minute ones too, but we can make radio edits and usually cut some material without sacrificing the essence of the song. 3:30-4:30 is pretty radio friendly. Big obvious hooks to draw in somebody who's never heard you before. Vox from about the get go. You ever hear long instrumental intros on the radio?

For 3k you should get a pretty dang nice result. Have this stuff practiced close to perfection before you go in. Studio time is expensive and every mistake is a frappucino.

Yeah, home recording is the way to go. For less than $300.00 you can get an audio interface that will plug into your cumputer and you can record through that. Mine was $260.00 and has 2 preamps built in. The only other things you need are a mic.or 2, headphones and some recording software. Audacity is free and Adobe Audition is about $250.00. With that equipment, you could record and mix your songs then send them off to be mastered. You could even master them yourself using that software if you trust your own ears. There are plenty of sites online where you can post your songs to see how well they'll be received. Google "Upload original music" and you'll find them.

Here's the thing...the likelihood of ANY song you record of actually reaching the radio is pretty damn low. Not trying to shoot you down, I'm trying to be realistic here. If you're paying for it with your own money that means you don't have a label. If you don't have a label, you won't get promoted outside of anything you do and other than people you know, nobody will know who you are.

So here's a better plan: use the money to buy home-recording equipment and record some demos. Take those demos and send them to some record labels. If they think you have potential you'll get picked up by them and they'll pay for your recordings AND they'll promote you.

you could get a home recording studio for a relatively cheap price.

Mixcraft is wonderful