Chris,
Start visiting your tractor dealers and let them know you're looking for "bone-yard" stuff. The season is underway and there are people who don't want their old stuff and buy new. The delivery guy is also a good source.
I got a late '90s Craftsman tractor in really good shape, just smokes. I plan on repairing this summer. The driver got it from a customer he delivered a now tractor to, but had too many other projects in his garage. Price? Free.
Next I got a JD170 from the "bone-yard" at the local dealer. Put air in the tires, charged the battery, changed the gas, sprayed starter fluid into the carb and she fired up. I use it now for mowing till I get the deck back on my "main tractor". The 170 will be my "puller". Price? $45, delivered, with 2 front wheel weights.
Good luck,
Greg
P.S. I live east of Redmond.