Learn the Goldmine Standard of record grading & to sight grade a used LP so that you have a good idea of whether it has surface noise. I do NOT buy anything under a VG+ grade. Read the Goldmine grading scale and learn it. Find used sellers that grade use Goldmine correctly. A VG record does NOT play great. That is sales talk and it is wrong. leave the VG's to the record collectors who just want it for their collection.
There are lots of new reissues on the market. They are good but generally have the new cost whereas, you can get some good records for $5, depending on your location. It was only 2 yrs ago I picked up some NM in the $1 section. It was some lesser known artists. But I listen to a lot of lesser knowns. Besides, it adds to the thrill when that $1 record has some really good music with no SN. . 😀 There is a lot of good music out there.Have fun