Denny, in most places all you need is a State Tax license to buy from wholesalers. Yea, you may have to fill out a sales and use form every quarter but it's a small inconvenience compared to the savings.
Check with your states licensing bureau and dept. of revenue... on line. I'm sure. I have a business that has absolutely no relationship to 70% ofthe companies I buy from, all they want is that tax number.