That is a difficult question but I would give some advice. First pick a area that interests you whether it be Nevada, Crest & Seals, Reno, California or whatever. Don't try to collect every chip from all over. Specialize first. Learn about the chips that interest you . Buy a book before you buy a chip and talk to other collectors who have the same interest as you. I would stay away from modern Limited Editions. Start slowly and learn. Ask questions. Since there are a limited number of collectors as opposed to coin or stamp collectors I would not look as this as investing rather more of a hobby and a way of making new friends. I personally collect Playboy & Deadwood. I first started collecting Colorado but changed to Deadwood because I felt this was a undervalued area with some truly scarce chips. Hope this helps.