So I decided on going with Coinbase. I'm supposed to get the coins by the 6th, so we'll see how this works.

I was a little hesitant of using localbitcoins if I couldn't meet face-to-face, but I'll go with your suggestions and try it for a small amount. Thanks for helping a newbie out!

Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried an international wire transfer to bitstamp, but it was denied. Regulations and stuff since I'm currently in the US. I've tried local bitcoins, but being in the middle of nowhere, the closest face-to-face transaction is a whopping 83.6 miles away. I'm thinking my best bet might be to just wait a while and try the market on the forums.

I, for one, have been "lurking" the bitcoin scene for a year or so and I finally want to get into the game. Unfortunately, it seems like it's become damn near impossible to conveniently buy any.   Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone else just want to vent?