Güten Tag und wilkomen.
Definitely look at the schemes and stones article if you are budget conscious. Be warned though, I started that way too. Somer's crew, slop haulers, extra bayou gremlins and piglets was my initial "plan". Three weeks later, I found that Ophelia's and Mah's crews, Burt, Sammy and Cranky all found their way into my collection somehow.
Once you get lost in the bayou, it is difficult to find your way out.
Tschüss.