eBay is a good start, and you will find the odd bargain. Don't rush into buying games as once you have your first project, you can work on that game while still keeping an eye out. The "wanted to buy" ads will work, you just need a bit of luck and patience.
The dealer "reconditioned" machines are priced "in the hope" that a newbie does not do their homework and buys on impulse. Years ago, dealers didn't go near EMs "Too hard to find a good tech", "can't get parts for them", "unreliable". Some dealers sell projects, best you wait for them to hit eBay.
Sometime it is just luck - it is a buyer's market at the moment, so the harder you work, the more deals will present themselves.
