As far as Muni's go, the FINRA website I linked allows you to search for them and has a state specific feature. Just click the link;
http://finra-markets.morningstar.com/BondCenter/Default.jsp
Click the Search tab, then look to the far right for Municipals.
When you click that, a new drop down appears for "State"
Drop the arrow and click North Carolina.
Then you can narrow your search down to specific counties or cities.
Enter "Charlotte" or Asheville" or anything else and see what comes up. Again, search by yield but be sure to not get carried away when you see a 7%! Look at the price as well. If the yield is out of whack, the price has probably been bid down. That's a red flag! Look for the ones quoted at or very near Par. A discount is best provided it hasn't been bid too low. I would shy away from anything below...say...95 with ten years to go ie: a 2025/26 maturity date
Stay with the single or double A ratings or higher and when you find a few you think look good, make a note of pertinent info (Issuer, coupon, Maturity etc.) as well as their "CUSIP"
You can then take that to your broker and ask him to search his bond trader platform and see if any are available.
I noticed that "TradeMonster.com" is now called "OptionsHouse" and they do not appear to offer bonds. You're going to have to open another account somewhere else then (if you don't have one already), at a firm that offers bonds.
If you have any more questions about Muni's, feel free to ask. I may be a bit getting back to you, as it is pretty busy this time of year for me (but I had today off!! WOOHOO!!), but I'll respond as quick as I can.
Best of luck and good hunting!
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