Pawn shops, pawn shops, pawn shops, especially if you can do a little luthiery work yourself. Over time I saw quite a few good mandolins for very low prices this way, some played some didn't; finally snagged an early 70's Kay mandolin for 25 dollars, just needed tuners, strings, bridge, nut (about 30 dollars) and some love. All maple, solid top, looks and sounds very nice, excellent intonation. Also got a 30's or 40's Armenian mandolin for 40 dollars, just needed strings and work, good shape, plays well. Don't know how to do the luthiery work? I didn't either, clueless when I bought them, I just did alot of research and got 'er done. Have seen numerous quality mandos that worked fine for under 250 dollars in pawn shops.