How to track down elusive white whales?

[MattyC]

Ok, so with frustration reaching hulk rage-out levels, I'm beginning to hope that I've overlooked some method of locating desired cards. Surely there is a way to find cards we want other than waiting for AH's to open, and then paying those exorbitant 20% premiums. I'd rather put half that cash in the card owner's hand directly.

I've reached out to a couple well-known dealers who've unfortunately been unable to pick up the scent of anything on my want list. I've attended whatever shows I can and asked around there, also to no avail.

It seems there are cards that money just can't buy outside of AH's. Been underbidder three times in a row now. So do you bite the bullet in such instances and pay what you know is over any resale value at an AH just to get the card(s)? Or is there some other avenue one can pursue?