I am slightly interested in buying a Corvette no later than a 2000 model, any suggestions on year’s mileage or what to try to stay away from?  

Besides staying away from a severely wrecked car, that's a tough question to answer, since most C5s haven't been thrashed on like most C4s or C3s. I've seen nice 2000 Vettes for under 20k. Check out this website: http://www.corvetteshoponline.com/

It's a shop here in Tampa that specializes in rebuilding/refurbishing and reselling Corvettes. Editor Heath's car came from this shop and it's in fine shape.  

Would you happen to know a reputable place on the west coast?  

http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/c-96-Corvette-Garage.aspx

http://www.vettefinders.com/

http://members.aol.com/licoa/comlinks.htm

Couple links for you to sites either selling vette's, parts, or people who should be able to offer further direction. Hope this helps.  

Thanks guys :-)