Old-R
Welcome to the Vintage club and our addiction!
Our Forum, and others on F-book as well as eBay, Reverb, C-List are all the hunting grounds.
I started out like you doing some research and picking up low price MIJ drums that I could afford and refurbish. Mainly based on the "coolness" of the wrap.
The hobby has turned into a passion. I play them but unfortunately I don't play out any more.
A few recommendations if I may or you may end up like many of us with well . . . a whole lot of drums !
Pick a maker that you really like: ie Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers, etc.
Pick an era: ie 20's, 30's, 60's, 70's etc
Pick a model: ie Club Date, Standard, Powertone, etc
Decide if your going to collect full kits or just snares, or maybe cymbals or accessories (silent movie, vaudeville noise makers) (I recommend snares)
Are you a completest?
If so, then you get to do the research and the best part, the hunt to find them all in the various wraps, finishes, etc.
For example: Ludwig Pioneer Snares. I love the snare, I like the sound, they are well made and I have started to collect the keystone badge era ones in the various wraps and finishes that were available. The silver, blue, red sparkles are easy to find, the fun hunt is for the Green, Black and Burgundy sparkles.
Then the fun part . . . amassing and playing your collection.
Good luck
Michael