Casey, do you remember the hobby expo they used to have at the Puyallup Fairgrounds? It's now held at the Monroe Fairgrounds in February. That might be a good place to look for used aircraft on the cheap. Have you considered building a 4 Star rather than buying an ARF? It would be my choice but, then again, I've never been a fan of ARFs after seeing some of the ones coming into the US over the years.
Just out of curiosity, where is the club you're referring to? I know there used to be a club that flew at the ALF just outside of Coupeville, not sure if it's still there or not.
I'm assuming you're a Navy vet, like me. Again, out of curiosity, what do/did you do and with what command? I had two tours in Oak Harbor so it's nice to talk to others that have been on "The Rock"