Backdrop outlet.com has some good prices on backdrops. As for props I love to hit up the local thrift stores. Just picked up a few wooden item(wagon, tricycle, and box with hearts). There is also trying to find stuff on Craigslist.
Might try cleaning the contacts on the lens. If your auto focus works with one lens then that verifies that it works the way it's supposed to and points to the lens in my opinion.
I would love to be able to give this to one of my children. Money has been tight and we have two kids that love to take pictures, but I have a hard time letting them use our good slr bodies. So if that qualifies then please add my name to the list.
Okay I'm trading for a manfrotto tripod with a 701HDV head on it. I'm not really fond of the head and would prefer to just get a ball head. So if you might be interested in doing a trade let me know. I should have more information on wed when I complete the deal. Might be willing to sell...
iTrader comes to mind with this and it's pretty simple to install on a vBulletin forum. Of course it won't help with newbie's coming on to post their stuff. Putting a post count minimum would help as well. A scammer isn't going to waste their time most of the time if they have to get to say...