Thrift stores here are good, you just have to hit them up several times a week. I scored an metallic blue pocket for like 3 bucks, I guess they're sort of more rare?
Pawn shops can be hit and miss. Usually the guys just want to make a buck or two and don't really know/care anything about the stuff. I scored a boxed Super Mario RPG for 5, and a gameboy micro for 20.
Flea markets are just ridiculous. There's usually one or two shops from collectors who want an arm and a leg for the stuff. Nice if you simply want something, bad if you're looking for a deal.
I guess it's super off topic by now, but whatever. The problem was solved so this thread is dead anyways.