I think we all agree that it is best to start with as solid as a truck as possible but for many of us in the Midwest we have to take what we can find. Everyone would love to start with a solid western truck but sometimes that is just not feasible. One needs a trailer, money, time, and a vehicle capable of pulling a hauler loaded with a 4,000lbs - 5,000lbs truck. This summer over the 4th of July Holiday I drove out to Utah to bring back a very solid 1967 C20. The drive alone took me 16hrs each way. I spent $500 putting new tires on my hauler, $450 in fuel alone for the tow vehicle and a day getting the C20 rolling and up on the trailer. I only paid $1 for the truck (was a family deal) but I still have well over $1,000 in just bringing it back (including food and supplies). Granted I needed new tires on the hauler but did not need them at that exact moment. In order to get the good deals one really needs to live in that area (or have family/friends there) to jump on them when they pop up. Not something feasible in a quick trip. The 4th was the only time I could really swing the trip as we had two days off from work. My work is such that it is very difficult to take time off. Also not all western trucks are created equal. I have seen some that are not that much better than what I can find around here. My C20 is very solid and straight but I still have a few pin holes to deal with in one cab corner where a drain hole was plugged. I am lucky in that I have a hauler and a truck to pull finds home with but what I really lack is the time to do these things.
Not trying to fuel the fire just offering a little perspective.