Welcome Mr. Ratbastard, this is an extremely addictive hobby, as crazy as it sounds if you catch the bug bad enough wrote out all of your bills... down to the penny and know what you can spend on chips! If you go over than and start sweating because you hope you can find a way to cover the bills... welcome to the scrub donkey life!! Lmao
My number one suggestion especially in your situation (being close to many collectors) instead of spending tons of money on samples. Attend a meet up! Get to know other chippers and talk to them about what they do and do not like. Most of us are willing to waste hours just bull shutting about chips! Also take
@BSteck up on his offer!!!! Brian is anamazing chipper with a very nice collection! If you can get a seat in one of his games!! PCF as a forum is amazing but being able to spend table time with others that share your passion is without equal!
I absolutely love our local MD/VA/PA/DC crew, but if I was forced to relocate to another dense PCF area it would be Colorado! You are in very good company with a lot of amazing members. When all this covid stuff is over and games start back up, take some road trips and check out others chips before you take the big plunge! Also some chippers have traveling sample sets you can get on the lost so you can check out lots of different stuff. You will most likely fall in love with Paulson chips like the majority of us, but there are lots of other options out there!!
Either way enjoy your chipping journey! Remember we all like pictures, so when you start getting your shipments be sure to share in "Throfficialmailpron" thread! Best of luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to send a PM anytime!!
Fellow Chipper Ben