CyS2k

Hi everyone, last few days I have been having an issue when starting the car (2004 ap2); I have to crank the engine several times before it starts. The first coupe of times it feels as if there is no fuel then it gets fuel and starts a bit rough for a few seconds and after that it runs ok without any problems. From what I read in other threats it sounds that it could be the fuel regulator but when I pulled the vacuum hose out I didn't see any fuel. I replaced the relay but that didn't do anything. If I shut it down and start it right away or a few minutes after there is no problem. A few days before it did that my car run very low on fuel, don't know if that had anything to do with it. I also bought the fuel filter but my mechanic says that it is a big job to replace that and if I do that I might as well change the fuel pump and assembly. The dealer wants about $500 for the fuel pump + labor so I need to know if that's the problem before I spend the money for that.

Do you guys have any inputs as to what it might be wrong before I start spending money changing things?