I have found local BTC as a great way to get in as a newbie. What is better than being able to exchange cash for coins spot or near spot and chat and learn about whats going on and meet local coinoisseur's. EXPERIENCE, FREE ADVICE, CONTACTS amazing deal.

For those who are new, don't expect everyone on you meet on local BTC to be good people, meet in public place and sit with person and wait for first confirmation of transaction if that makes you feel safer. Make sure you set the right expectation before you start any transaction.. I want to trade X cash for X BTC at X rate. I have cash, please confirm you have BTC in wallet with you on your phone etc. and make sure they know before you meet them that you are planning on sitting down and chatting with them until you receive first confirmation from the network (expect 10mins to up to 45 mins) If the person is not legit, they usually wont even want to meet you if you set the expectation ahead of time.

CHEERS,

that's humble my experience