[ramenbytes]

If you can find a ham radio fest or swap meet near you, it's possible to find a lot of different components and equipment cheap, though sometimes in less than ideal condition. Look for surplus departments at local colleges, labs, companies, etc. too. Find out where e-waste goes, and whether you can salvage from it before it gets hauled away. Lots of stuff likely gets thrown out that either still works, can be fixed, or can be used for parts. Downside is you have to plan projects around what you found instead of just buying parts after picking a project.