Have you got certified yet? you are better off renting until you get certified and have done a few dives, there are a lot of people that buy there stuff and never use it again. also renting different equipment gives you the chance to find what you like. I support the local dive shop they are the ones who will maintain your gear if they go out of business they who is going to check your stuff out if you have a problem, you may spend more but for me it's worth it and it's not like the dive shop owners are making a fortune, it seems to me that most of them do it becuase they enjoy the sport.