Turntable noobie...what advice do you have?

Due to the condition variability  of used LPs sticking to new reissues is a safe plan.

Once you accumulate a decent amount of records, I’d advise you to purchase a Record Dr record cleaner. They are relatively cheap and available at audio advisor.

When buying used records, look at them carefully under the brightest light available. Look for excessive signs of play by focussing on the spindle hole area/label. Note if there are excessive amounts of wear and striations indicating it was played to death. Also look at surface of record for excessive wear/scratches. If you see a scratch, tilt the record at an angle in good light. If scratch tends to disappear, then it is not deep and should not play.

I find good used records almost any place I go. I’m always on the lookout. Online, both ebay and discogs can be great sources for both new and used records. Although sometimes people are asking crazy prices.another good source is audiophile usa. 

Invest in some quality inner record sleeves, like those from sleeve city. Be certain that your turntable is level, and check tracking force with a quality digital vtf scale. Maybe later on, invest in a turntable wall mounted shelf for better isolation.

Lastly, don’t fret and make this work...enjoy it and know that record collecting/playing can be a very rewarding experience, warts and all. Have Fun!

One more word of advise is be wary of some new records or reissues, as not all are sourced from analog. A lot of them have a digital source. Older records generally will sound better, as they were cut from the analog tape or source. Then there is the many pressing variations, but that is a whole nother can of worms...

My suggestion is to get your new record player, set it up, play the few records you have and then decide whether you want to continue. Many people prefer the ease of digital, without the need for record and stylus cleaning, TT setup issues, stylus wear…. Just don’t get ahead of yourself. 

Just buy lp's and enjoy. Ebay, Discogs, stores, adds whatever you prefer, hunting is nice both physically and mentally.

Get useful tools for setting up, cleaning, study, read, experiment and have fun.

Just to add to my previous response, some make more fuss than there needs to be about collecting and especially the playing of vinyl. With all that is available today, records, turntables, countless cleaning machines, brushes, protractors, etc...it’s actually easier than ever to enjoy and be successful at setting up something that sounds very good. Don’t be intimidated. Once you hear that certain Lp, you will be hooked forever. It is my opinion (JMO) that anyone not involved in true analog is missing out. To only stream your music because of convenience is not being fully engaged in this hobby. People dismiss other formats because they look upon them as old and antiquated. However, there are some lp's that blow away anything digital. Also, if you have a very good cassette deck, you would be surprised how great cassettes can sound. To limit one self to just one format is very boring.