I am looking to start my badge collection and was wondering what, if any, are good sites or locations to purchase badges.  I'm just looking to start off slow, but want to deal with reliable sellers and collectors.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Try http://www.copcollector.com/ , I have goen through this Collector before, he is good to go, from my dealings.

Also, look at gun shows and the like, frequently there are collectors there. Do your homework, lest you end up spending a ton on a repor badge; which most if not all high profile and federal badges are.

There are a ton of collector information only sites out there, from very old badges to newer.

Most of the good ones have been posted but I have two more for you.

www.collectors-badges.com

a little over priced in my opinion but they get some great stuff if your looking for something in particular.

www.thereservebadgeguy.com

all of his stuff is older but you just may find a treasure you cannot live without.