Confente
Rene Hearse
Masi
DeRosa
Sachs
Kellogg or his Merlin bikes
Austro Daimler
Concorde
Merckx
If you want to sell your refurbs at a profit here's a site listing desirable (to collectors) bikes.
www.classicrendezvous.com
Look for lugged steel frames, original paint in fair condition (or better); components that aren't scratched up.
Learn to examine a frame/fork for damage.
Most of my bikes arrived in my hands as framesets - the fun is selecting parts and getting it together.
A good bike repair stand that holds the frame securely is an asset.
Does your town have a bicycle co-op ? one nearby?
Have fun.
edit: Classic & Vintage Forum is your friend. More than one member has a website you will find most instructive - let me search out one for 'ya.
re-edit: here's a GREAT one.
MY "TEN SPEEDS - Home Page
you should also search Sheldon Brown (RIP) his site is a great reference for answering questions about standards and specs on the older (less expensive) bikes.