Here's a somewhat different take that can be applied not only to T206s but just about and vintage set: Start by collecting the Hall of Famers (which was mentioned previously) and other high-dollar cards first. Even though you might find the cost somewhat prohibitive, and your collection might be built more slowly, there's an upside. If you decide to bail on the project or go in a different direction with your collecting, you're not going to be stuck with a lot of low-grade commons that are tough to sell. Instead you'll have a smaller group of cards that will be somewhat in demand.
My guess is that since you've posted, you've received e-mails with offers to sell you decent-sized groups of commons. It's a buyers market for these cards. There are a ton of low- to mid-grade T206s out there that you'll always be able to acquire. What you won't always be able to do in a timely manner is sell them for what you paid. Even though it might seem odd because you're just starting, try to buy with a discerning eye. It will pay off in the long run. If, after you've acquired a moderate number of Hall of Famers and/or Southern leaguers, you decide you're in for the long haul, it will be easy to fill in the holes with the commons you're missing.
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