So I play with a few friends (very casually), but am the only one to own the game, therefore I need to cover both Empire and Rebels. Currently I own:
Core Set x1
Nebulon B x1
Assault Frigate x1
Gladiator x1
Rebel Fighters x1
Imperial Fighters x1
I am looking to spend no more than about $45 on amazon and was hoping to get two expansions. What do you suggest?
Well, you could get both the raider and mc30 for around $45 probably.
Otherwise the ISD is a must, I Mean it is A Flipping ISD...
I have no objection to the ISD, my only concern is would my current ships and squadrons stand a chance?
I'd recommend an ISD.
Your Imps NEED another ship, your Rebels would LIKE another ship.
Rogues and Villians wouldnt go amiss either.
I have no objection to the ISD, my only concern is would my current ships and squadrons stand a chance?
Well, to be fair, I you can field an AFMK2, 2 Nebs and a Corvette along with squadrons, it's a decent force at 400 points.
The ISD isn't overpowered by any means so it won't obliterate the rest of the ships.
Unless someone is dumb enuogh to fly a CR90 in medium range of its front arc, then yeah it can one shot it 
I say shop a round amazon does not have the best prices unless you hit a sale. and maybe go with 2 of the raiders for now (to add choice to your Imp force, or 2 packs of Rogues and villains to add something to both sides.
and add in the others when you have the money.
I say shop a round amazon does not have the best prices unless you hit a sale.
Miniature Market has things at 30% or better regularly. An ISD is $33 before shipping. Not sure what shipping is, though, because I always order more than $100 for free shipping.
So after looking at your list again you have 4 rebel ships vs 2 imperial ships so I would definitely get the ISD, it will add the most to your collection
Plus it is the most impressive ship! 
So after looking at your list again you have 4 rebel ships vs 2 imperial ships so I would definitely get the ISD, it will add the most to your collection
Plus it is the most impressive ship!
Plus, I wouldn't class myself as an imperial player if I didn't have one 
. One needs an excuse to play imperial march.
Raider and scum would be the best option imo
One Raider isn't very helpful.
I'd recommend that ISD. It's very competitive and utterly iconic.
I'm still a big fan of the MC80
I'm still a big fan of the MC80
Yea but just Wave 1 imperials will struggle against an MC80.
Just played with my pair of MC30 fully decked out, I'm in love. They handed out a ton of damage with only one getting shot up. I unfortunately double rammed my healthy on with my AF2, and that was the match. I just can't get the hang of VASSAL. Even so, I did a little rework on that fleet and can't wait to get it on a tabletop. Problem is that now I want a 3rd shrimp
If budget is a concern, get another Victory class Star Destroyer, and maybe a Correlian Corvette. Yes, the Imp Star is nice, but if you are playing casual games, and you're not running Akbar for the Rebels, those two should be a decent choice. Plus, having the VSD will give you another ship to carry all of the imperial TIEs you have.
on a budget Id say a MC30 for Rebels, and a Gladiator for Imperials. Get both and they ad a lot evenly to the base set.
VSD is a great ship to add flavor and it's foot print isn't that big...it also allows you to buy more. Remember there is the Vic 1 a close range asset that can become a carrier, whilst the Vic 2 is more of a gunship.
I'd buy a VSD box and a raider...add in scum to spice it up and you're solid.
Invest in those FFG matts and more dice.
Buy one of each ship
Oh just do it right and get the mc80, the ISD, rebels and scum and another gladiator.
26 +33+16+20 100 + maybe 5 dollars more and free shipping from cool stuff.
Your return on you investment will be that your friends are more likely to get into it and you didn't waste your initial money because they missed the depth of play offered from wave II.
Since it sound like teams you'll be able to fly 450-500 points and have 4 imperial ships two a piece and 4-5 ships. Get an 3 extra movement tools use two that are just two sped to help speed up the game also important for keeping your friends interested. The darn 4 sped movement will get in the way so many times you'll think those two 2 speed tools are a god send.