When i started...6 years ago... i had a grove percusion,5 piece kit. it wrked great for rock and metal, the thing i liked about it even though it was used, it gave me a couple hundred to spend on cymbals. now i have more then hats and a crash and 5 drums.
try craigs list:
http://albany.craigslist.org/
... and no i dont live in albany. but i do have friends from there.