I just wanted to share that after some research; I was able to come up with a way to source budget GoPro cameras.
GoPro currently has a subscription model - https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/subscriptions which costs $24 for the first year. This model allows you to exchange up to 2 broken cameras for $99 each + tax. There are caveats to this such as which country you live in, and which model you have (min. GoPro Hero 8).
What this means is that you can go purchase a broken unit on eBay and then exchange it. I was able to purchase 2 GoPro Hero 8 broken units for less than $60 delivered and pursue this option. GoPro will ask for pics of the serial numbers and how it was broken, but does not pry into any other details, nor do they care how it broke or who purchased it. All they will check for is that it has not been reported as stolen. I would like to add that it may be worth finding a unit that was broken by the seller. I do not know if GoPro sells previously warrantied units to wholesale scrap sellers who sell on eBay or if they take issue with replacing one of these units.
The model they will replace with currently is a Hero12 Black (no GPS) but did say they may have options if that is required. After replacement, I will have 2 new Hero 12 Black cameras for about $275, which is hard to argue with.
Additionally, I should mention that the subscription has additional benefits such as discounts on accessories and after the first year of subscription you get $100 off a new camera. Camera replacements renew after each subscription year.