Electrical Nightmare

Some of my 2002 Trailblazer dashboard lights are constantly on when the key is in the ignition and some come on intermittenly when my radio decides to flicker on. The lights, blinkers, and everything else seem to work when the battery is not drained. In most cases it will not start until the radio flickers on for a few seconds. My battery is constantly getting drained. There have been times when the key is not able to be turned all the way to the position to remove it and requires quite a wait along with some jiggiling. It has been to two different shops (including a GM shop) with no answers except to search for a short that may take hours (at $65 an hour!). Anybody out there have any ideas?