Local amish guy has about 200 mowers, and parts all over, and decent prices. I've bought a complete mower, in ugly shape, for 60 bucks. And I was able to make it run. Also a transaxle for 40 bucks. Set of like new mud tires for 60, they are 100 new.
Check out the 12.5 hp twin opposed. Didn't know they came that small.