An excellent way for someone to build a decent guitar collection, particularly consisting of "player guitars" (those meant to be played and not simply displayed or cased for posterity / investment, is to consider the wonderful market of Japanese guitar makers.  Japanese companies and brands such as Ibanez, Aria, Greco, Tokia and others have been manufacturing guitars based on iconic American models (the Les Paul, Telecaster, and Stratocaster) for decades.  The history of these guitars is far too vast to cover here.  There is ample information on Japanese guitars available on the internet and in your local library or bookstore. 

Many Ebay sales of these guitars consist of sellers in Japan and Indonesia, and I think many Westerners are reluctant to buy from those markets due to the reputation for Ebay scams.  I can attest that there are reputable sellers in those countries and good bargains available for North Americans.   However, every customary step should still be taken to help avoid fraud (check feedback and reputation, email seller prior to bid with questions, etc)

Check out this very helpful Ebay guide:

"Ibanez Does Not Make Every Japanese Guitar" by Cevans999-     http://myworld.ebay.com/cevans999/