ERIC - Are these CC's on Craigs list? or newspaper ads? Are you calling these people? Are they saying something like "First one here with $$$$ gets the tractor? Maybe you should run a "Wanted to BUY" ad. Have you posted a want ad here? Have you checked any local L&G equip. dealers for older CC's on the back lot? Any ag equip. dealers having consignment sales/suctions in your area?
When I bought my CC 72 thirty yrs ago I looked for tractors in the paper for a couple months. Bought the first one that was advertised. I could have bought dozens of 2-3 yr old green tractors in that time, but took the 12 yr old CC. I also looked for over a year before buying my 982. Looked at a 2072 at an auction, waited around ALL Day for the tractor, mower, snow blower & chains, three sets of mower blades to sell for WAY less than it was worth but WAY more than I could afford. I did have the next-to-last big BTW. Year later I offered more money, but still way less than asking price for a bare (no 3-pt, rear PTO) 1872, P-O'd the seller and we both walked away mad. Few months later My Buddy & I found MY 982 at a tractor show, rebuilt engine, all new paint, tires, etc.