A lot of it too is just plain luck and timing. But throwing up an add in forums doesn't hurt either, you never know when somebody has just 'had enough' and wants a machine gone at any low price...... but is too lazy to get around to taking photos and posting it up themselves.

Also, trying going to craigLOOK.com instead of the usual craigsLIST. It searches all the craigslist pages nationwide, instead of just one section, and you can do it by distance from your location. It really pops up a lot more choices. Oh, and since craigslist is very exact about spelling, try also seaching for "Pin Ball" as well as "Pinball", as it does get some extra ads for you.

-Hans

Edit: D'oh! Sorry for the necro-post on this one.