Got any affordable turntable recommendations?

If you want to scratch you will need something with a direct drive. I say buy a used Technics 1200. You can’t go wrong with this classic. They hold their quality and value extremely well.
I like one of these for home use, but I use it just for playing records.

You also need a mixer with at least a channel fader to ‘cut’ the scratch and shape the contour of each rhythmic pulse; getting tables without a mixer is like getting a Violin without buying the bow, son!

Do some research on the style of mixing/scratching you plan on doing; mixers and decks (and needles/cartridges) are a highly subjective and personal thing…go to a DJ Shop or Guitar Center (or other pro audio store) and see for yourself before deciding what you’re going to go for. Classic B-boys will always drop money for some Technics 1200s as peedub said.

Check out craigslist, people are always getting rid of turntables on there.