[conor912]

I prefer raw, but if you go graded, be careful picking too small of a niche (only t206, only graded, only sgc, only 40). you will only end up backing yourself into a corner. If you do that, through the years you will guaranteed end up with cards that you don't really like just because they are the grade you want AND you will find that you have to pass on cards you DO really like just because they are the wrong grade or slabbed by the wrong company. Raw or graded, your collecting, just like personalities and relationships, will morph over the years. Leave yourself some flexibility to learn and change.