re: Best place to get a few basic power tools?

Harbor Freight! Lawd I love that place! If your a carpenter then no, but for occasional use you can't go wrong. I've got a sawsall from there that's been holding up for 4 yrs now. I've used it on corrugated metal, wood, and quartering deer. Hasn't let me down yet. Another great one is my step dads hammer drill which held up for 8-9 yrs. I have no experience with their battery tools and I'd be a little weary of going that route.