Go to your county extension office and get a list of the local saw mills in your area. I get a lot of wood from a local saw mill. Dried and ready to go. He may even have some spaulted stuff if you want to get into stabilizing.
also, find out if there are any cabinet making shops, you might be able to pick up scraps there for cheap.
I got a local hardwoods store near me, and get some stuff there, but the vast majority I get comes from the saw mill, and stuff I harvest myself.
You can also make your own laminates, just buy wood from a local store like Home Depot, and cut and glue up your own designs. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards all have hardwoods, just not in a large variety, But still something you can work with.
