where can you buy them in person?....like with cash?..which is just as good as money....
No Idea. I imagine if you live in a big city that has an Amateur radio store you might find one. Although I think most of that sort of place only stocks higher end stuff.
I don’t know if you can find the Chinese radios locally. You can find the traditional brands like Yaesu at a radio-oriented store but they’re not in the same price range for sure. I bought a Wouxun from Ed. I don’t have my license (and probably will stay off the lists and not take the test) so I just listen for now and take with me in the woods in case of real emergency.