If you're concerned about strength after starting stats, the following classic items are a decent remedy to keep an eye out for. Several of them are easily obtained and low level, and some of them just require more levels and friends to obtain. All of them are worthwhile.
http://wiki.project1999.com/Golden_Amber_Earring
http://wiki.project1999.com/Werewolf_Skin_Cloak
http://wiki.project1999.com/Spiked_Collar
http://wiki.project1999.com/Bloodstained_Mantle
http://wiki.project1999.com/Hero_Bracers
http://wiki.project1999.com/Dwarven_Work_Boots
http://wiki.project1999.com/Jagged_Band
I agree that some of these come from camps that will be in use 24/7 for a long time to come, and the odds of you killing the mob for them yourself are slim to none. The good news is that they will be constantly flowing into the marketplace, so there's that. Once fire opal platinum rings for AC and HP are available, the jagged bands will drop in value like a rock, excepting for monks and rogues probably. Even for them, the HP's will be a better choice.