Rent vs. Buy?

[sjdive]

You're getting some good advice on this post and wanted to add my two cents.  I just got certified last year and asked the same question and got advice from a lot of different sources.  I found that buying your own gear allows you to do the main thing a new diver needs to do... dive.  Dealing with rentals really impedes your access to diving.  Having your own gear allows you to gain familiarity with your equipment which makes you more comfortable in the water.  I too have limited money to spend, so I have to watch what I purchase.  It has been recommended almost unanimously that life support equipment be purchased new from a trusted dive shop.  The secondary stuff you can save searches on E Bay, watch for used sales at your LDS, or watch the classifieds on sites such as this.  You can add a little at a time as deals come up.  I agree that you should invest in BP/harness if you have any interest in anything tech down the road.  I had the mindset of "why spend $500 on a BC and sell it for pennies on the dollar in a few years when I'm ready to move up?"  I'm not ready yet, but the BP/harness is more comfortable and user friendly than you would think.  Good luck and keep diving.