Pretty simple question here can I get crossbows outside of doing the Dawnguard related quests? I haven't seen any yet, but then I only bought the game yesterday.

Outside the main DG quest? Your best bet will probably be to come across one of the areas on the map that have been added by the DLC, some of them I *think* might have a crossbow or two. If you're lucky. I did come across some, but only as I was doing the quests.

How is it so many people can't find crossbows? I was given one from the first person I talked to after entering the Dawnguard area.

I just walked up to Fort Dawnguard, walked in, grabbed the crossbow on the crates to the left, and ignored the rest of the quest for the time being. I just stood there while that guy kept firing bolts at those crates and I kept picking them up.

This. but the ability to make crossbows and craft bolts (including frost, fire and other cool types) can only be done through progression of the story.

Isran gave me one right after visiting Fort Dawnguard for the first time.

Glad i'm not the only one who was standing around by the crates picking up his bolts. lol

Killing Dawnguard?

I picked them out of his pocket in Whiterun
He still gave me some outside the DG castle as well.

There are crossbows on the outside areas of the castle too, still have to go through the interiour to get to the doors though.