Anyone know a good website that offers free transparent background rendered characters / images?

I've never really had an issue just using google.

Search the image you want and then go to Tools -> Color -> Transparent

If google doesn't work, i usually use deviantart for renders nowadays

t4t, thanks

Juat Google _____ render

Or u can just do it yourself on P's not hard

Takes a little more time than a google search but I've found that making my own renders is way better... you have more flexibility in images to choose from and you can choose what parts to keep/cut out, etc. There are many tutorials on using pen tool, very handy.