Sounds like folks are interested in changing up their characters, so here's how it works:
You can play up to two characters at a time. I may NPC other characters as I have been if you prefer.
All of your characters have the same XP total, so new characters will be the same level as the one you have now.
All new characters come in with standard beginning equipment.
You may start an Adventurer's Guild, where you can pool resources and buy equipment from the PHB. In essence you can join the guild and rent/borrow equipment other guild members found. Obviously characters will want to keep found items useful to them, but scrolls, potions, excess magic weapons and the like can be repurposed this way. Treat it like your own personal item shop that always buys/sells at market price. Delving and finding items is the only way to "stock up".