Like others have said be patient. I bought HUO machine 2 years ago for a price people told me was unrealistic. Since then I will say the price has taken off, but deals are still out there. I posted a WTB ad on Mr. Pinball and had at least 3 offers in my range. Those on the forums trend to forget there are pinball fans who don't frequent groups daily. Mr Pinball is a good way to find them.

Also when buying don't get talked into paying for modifications or upgrades someone else wanted that you don't. Just because the seller spent $200 on extra toys doesn't mean that adds $200 to the price. Same with LEDs, spending $100 doesn't automatically add that to the value. I wanted a machine that was stock. Now if it has the shaker motor installed that its an upgrade worth paying for.