The taste of coffee is directly proportional to the length of time sitting on the shelf after roasting. Even the worst-grade green beans taste great after a fresh roast. I roast my beans in a $9 popcorn machine I bought at Walgreens.

no problem. the cheapest (and still good quality) can be found in many middle eastern shops. they wont sell them by the canvas sack, but you can usually get a pound or two for a couple of bucks and its going to be better than walmart brand.