I just keep an eye open at sweetwater and musician's friend when they start dumping guitars (already started at sweetwater ~yellow tag whatever).

I got my Fender American Standard Strat for $790. I was bummed because I wanted one and they were discontinued and sold out in the color I wanted. Sure enough someone returned one and poof, it was mine!

So I paid more (MAP before I knew to ask for discounts) for my MiM Blue Deluxe Strat than I paid for my friggin American Standard!

Photo! https://i.imgur.com/dKl44ot.jpg

I got the sandblasted Tele as a NOS that was sitting in some guys shop for a year or so after they were discontinued for $499 as well (reverb).

I just would get bored at work and shop guitars to kill some time every day. When I'd find deals I was always ready to pull the trigger immediately. Same way I got my 12 string Les Paul, NOS that was sitting in a shop for 3+ years in the middle of no where missouri (reverb).