I started out renting gear, researched the different types, then made purchases for the diving goals I had in mind. One inportant aspect to consider is what route you plan to follow, are you going to just do recreational, go technical, or go all the way to professional intructor. Many shops require you to use there brand of gear if on there staff as intructors. I purchase almost all of my gear, Major items that need service from my local dive shop where I obtain my training, and I know and trust the gear and advice, as well as service to the gear I purchase. I can also have quick resolution to any recall or warranty issues. My suggestion for first gear purchase are quallity Mask, Snorkle, Fins, Boots, and Wet suite. Next I would purchase a dive Computer with air integration or remote sender capable, these can be easily mounted to rental gear till you purchase a quility regulator. get a computer that alows for air/nitrox and 2 or 3 gas switches. I use the Suunto vetec wrist mount, has done me well, wife uses Cobra. I very highly recomend the atomic ultraclear mask with ARC coating this mask is amazing, and the atomic split fins are fanominal in performance, you cant go wrong with these products. hope this helps Happy diving to you!