Have you ever been able to get something you really want collecting, but had to compromise (cheaper variant, cart only, etc) due to money?

I have two examples, both from late 2011: my Sega SG-1000 and my Earthbound copy.

I got the SG-1000 Mark II, boxed w/all hookups in good condition for $233 (153 + 80 shipping from Kanazawa, Japan). SG-1000 Mark I's were going for $700 and up, some in the four figures. I plan on getting a Mark I a few years down the road but it's not the highest priority.

My Earthbound is cart-only, I think it was a rental mule. 100 bucks. Boxed copies in good shape were going for 400-500 or more.