Splintered,
Distributor Service International (DSI) off of Mosteller sells some species lumber and lots of board products (species ply).
http://www.distributor-service.com/aboutus.html They don't care if you are a contractor or a walk-in consumer.
For a very nice selection of figured lumber, try Hardwood Lumber and More in Milford (Steve Mickley formerly of Paxton Lumber fame owns the place).
http://www.hardwoodlumberandmore.com
I have heard that Hyde Park Lumber has good stuff too but have not checked them out. They are at the end of Red Bank just after the railroad tressle in Fairfax.
Where in the Cincy are are you located? I know pnut is over near Harrison. I am on the other side near Milford.