What should I look for when purchasing a quality album?

My dad was a proctologist, so I'm cool with it.

Every year I attend the Capitol Audio Fest, and I usually buy 8-10 LPs from my favorite vendor, at prices up to $20 but usually about $10 each. However, the experience gives me the chance to see what is being asked for some LPs I already own. It gives me the (false) impression that my 3000 LPs must be worth $15-20K, at least. Even that amount would average out to only $5-6 per.  I am realistic enough to know that no one is ever going to pay that much.

I have had great experiences with Discogs. A handful of albums were bad and sellers refunded $$ without even asking for the album back.  Tracking Angle is a great source for classical if you like classical. LOTS of great reissues from Mofi, Analogue Productions, Speakers Corner, as others have said. I have also found good albums on eBay, but you have to check the seller.  At some time, you will need to invest in a record cleaning machine. I have an ultrasonic one from Cleaner Vinyl that is about 10 years old. Still works fine. There are many record cleaners out there, and that would be a whole different thread :-) Enjoy the journey. 

Glad I could be the butt of your jokes...

Say lewm, think I could borrow that record cleaner..?

He was known in New Haven as the "Rear Admiral".  True.

No need to bring up my alone time!