I know the price of damn near everything these days is getting painful, but if I can offer the OP any advice at all, I'd say when you do come across a deal, jump on it. Stuff being sold for reasonable prices still happens. Just last month I got an Edelbrock Performer from a member here for $225 shipped. I didn't haggle with him. I didn't offer a lowball, I just said "I'll take it".
[SOLD] - Edelbrock Performer Intake | For A Bodies Only Mopar Forum
I think sometimes people get too caught up in the mindset of "it should only cost $***" and then they let the stuff that's at least priced fairly pass them by.