Craigslist is your friend. Well, mine anyway.
Keep a constant lookout on there for 1/2 barrel kegs and glass carboys.
Paying retail for either is just silly, and you'll want some of both soon enough.
Also, start asking your friends to collect pry-off bottles.
Look into beersmith software. It is worth it.
Get a sharpie to write gravity readings on your glass carboys.
Don't exchange LP tanks. Go to someplace that fills yours.
I could go on and on..... but, hey, I'm new at this too.