If the main reason you are buying graded cards is because you're new and don't want to get burned, I'd suggest cracking a couple out and studying the paper stock, printing, feel and smell. If you do like the holder too much to crack it out, try to find a local hobby shop and study their cards.
If you limit your self to just graded you'll really be missing out on great deals. There are mini "finds" always showing up on eBay, sometimes for sale by non collectors, in which case the cards are usually not graded. I personally like buying stuff that's fresh to the hobby.
After some time you'll be able to spot a fake in a scan, and you'll know not to buy cards with pictures so crappy that you can't see enough to make a judgment call.
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