Check out http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/ , sometimes they have some killer deals on decent gear, but never buy boots you can't try on first. I really work them out too, jump in them, walk in them, sit in them for half an hour while you are looking at other boots. Be wary of pressure points, and heel lift. They are the single most important part of your equipment.
Even wheeling and dealing I would expect to pay at least $500 for OK gear. (I think I paid $400 for my last deck alone)
$250 deck
$100 boots
$70 sale bindings
$50 sale jacket
$50 sale Pants
Be selective but always remember there have been few milestones in snowboard tech as of recent. Don't buy into the hype. Medium flex sandwich board, with any quick-release bindings will do for 90% of east-riders. Only if you really plan on specializing in something, or doing specific terrain, do you need to be more judicious. For instance I have an Academy I ride, with T9 bindings, and in Ohio, and surrounding areas I've never had any issues park or piste, but when I go out west I ride longer, stiffer (LOL) Arbor freeride board, with backseat offset, and floaty-er nose.