Kevin: You sound eager to get into the swing. You might also check out www.2Chippers.com which sells
on consignment. You name the price, they do the work. They have disposed of a bunch of my "extras"
at fair prices.
There are too many collectors. Used to be sort of
standard to sell new releases for $3. Now I see
them on eBay for $1.49. Some members are passing
chips on at face value. In addition, collectors
with an established collection are all looking for the same scarce chips - and there is no one to make them available.