BP the best IMO is to buy your mask/snorkel and rent the rest. I bought all my sh*t and now it sits. Even when we go to Hawaii I don't want to bring all that gear( plus my wet suit I have for the cold waters of So Cal, would be way overkill in Hawaii) so, I just rent it.
Course I bought it when I lived in So Cal and I'd go diving on a whim, that was pre K and easier plus ocean was close lol