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davidcyclebackOne can collect not-exactly Pre-War baseball card items and related non-baseball items. For example:
Some Pre-War baseball player autographs are affordable. Modern signed photos of folks like Bill Terry and Bob Hubbell are very affordable. You could buy an augoraphed 1933 Goudey or Play Ball common player at an affordable price, perhaps $20 or $30 price if the card is rough. Obviously, you want to find the right seller and know who are reputable authenticators.
News service photos of Pre-War players. Nice collectables, and a nice photo of Hank Greenburgh or other HOFers can be found at affordable prices.
Pre-War non baseball cards, like Old Judge and Newsboy actors or boxing cards.
Pre-1950 Team Issue Pic Pacs are affordable and nice, and include vintage examples of top stars like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Satchell Paige.
Pre-War other sport or college/high school sport items, like college football or hockey postcards or early high school baseball cabinets. There are a lot of interesting and affordable vintage sports postcards out there.
Pre-War Post Gazzette Suppliments are high quality, and afford many multi-sport stars including Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Jim Thopre and boxing stars. Baseball Magazine Premiums are of lesser quality, but are also affordable and include all the big strars like Ruth and Gehrig.
1800s Harper's and Leslie's Woodcuts. These are affordable, vintage and feature the major 19th century stars including Anson, King Kelly, Al Spalding, Blly Sunday and even the entire 1869 Cincinnati Reds. Can't beat these for display value.
Many Pre-War card collectors also buy photos, programs, woodcuts and postcards to go with their T206s and Plow Boys.
As a collector, some of my all time favorite items were inexpensive and many of the most expensive items were not my favoties. Most of those expensive items are long gone, and many 'cheapos' I still have.
I can promise that the majority of collectors on eBay and elewhere are not like Marshell Fogel or Leon. To the majority of collectors, $500 for a card or group lot is a lot of money to be spending.