I don't really see my role in life as putting a Sherman on everybodies drive. I got mine through hard work and putting myself in the right place at the right time, that may be harder now but there is no easy way I'm afraid.
To be fair, when they were plentiful and cheap, nobody wanted them. Seeing other peoples restorations on show has made them more desirable and with that comes a price increase. I would not want to try to do what I did now, I simply could not afford it.
As you have found, if you want something rare, you either have a shedload of money or take on a real basket case.