Hi GB,
A few avenues you could explore with your budget, liquidations is the first. You can source all different sized surplus stock loads, everything from inexpensive cartons right through to complete truckloads.
Number two would be the second hand market. If you have a good eye for a product and the ability to talk a good deal, then places like your average weekend garage (yard) sale can be a fantastic place to pick up eBay stock.
I'm constantly amazed at what 50 dollars can buy at these types of sales, so don't think it's just garbage, it's far from it for the most part. The third option would be to talk to the wholesale supplier, explain your limited funds, but your seriousness in developing a working relationship with the supplier.
I'm sure you will find some will be flexible once they know you are a serious customer. You may well find that they will supply you still, but at a slightly increased price if the order volume isn't there. Then again you may just find that some will work on their original MOQ price, but drop the volume to get you on board, and so they should, because developing new business is what wholesale suppliers are all about.