I started by buying 7 old reg. Black angus for a guy getting out .Talk to you people that have cattle, pull up into their yard, knock on the door and talk..Most I find will gladly help you...If you see a bull you like ask them to rent/lease to you,they quite often will...250 to 300 $ ayear...I have never bought at the sale barn, never will...I have a Hereford bull on the girls, a well know Hereford man(in this area) had use this bull in his (Reg. hereford) program for 3 years, and was ready to sale him, I got him 300$ down and can pay the 1200$ bal, or return after a year...Wife and grand kids love him, his name is patches and I will wait on calves before I puchase him....Alittle thin at 1850 lbs, but he has worked hard this year....Also have do business with him before(very honest man) , and he sies the bull throw small calves...Saw his cow and the bulls calves I agree with him...