OK i just noticed that you are in clauson, michigan, total population of 12,732. I can understand if there just arent that many systems in a small town. I am in los angeles, and the systems are in stockat the stores.
I dont know if putting $5 down on the system will be enough, as much as i hate the idea of pre ordering(you are essentially giving them a zero intrerest loan), you may have to pay the whole $250(plus tax) in your preorder, to get your system in a timely manner. I think that is your best bet