I found a really nice 182A set up pretty much how I want it with a low time engine and in my price range, however within the next few years I plan on putting the plane on floats/skis I looked into it slightly and didn't realize how hard and expensive it would be to do this. Has anyone done the conversion how was it? Would it better in the long run to wait and find a decent 180?

From what I have heard it is a very expensive deal to convert a 180/185 to a seaplane version if id did not come from the factory that way.
So I would guess for a 182 the same would be true.

That being said there is a lot of reasons to consider a 182 for a float plane.
Here is a thread that asks the very same question with some very excellent replies.

https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/180- ... tions-8182

There are two 182A float planes for sale in anchorage right now. Skis are a separate issue.