When I collected I was extremely fortunate to have found what I did. With hindsight I realize it and will always be appreciative.

If I had two words of advice for new collectors they would be 1) never think or assume that something for sale today that's rare and in great condition will cross your path again (this is simply not true from my experience and the collecting world is full of "collector's regret" - letting opportunities pass) and 2) only purchase items that are in great condition (this does not mean it needs to be in "mint" condition but it should be really good condition without hairlines, cracks, noticable chips and/or flaws other than caused by the manufacturer).