Cheap, local and functional was the only requirement for my first EM purchase. I experimented with a few before determining what games I enjoyed. That may not be the best or easiest strategy these days.

If you can attend the Texas Pinball Festival or visit a local collector that has a bunch of Ems, that is probably your best bet. Play as many games as you can to get a feel for an era and manufacturer you like best. It's all pretty subjective.

Good advice so far but I often wonder what you Gottlieb guys would collect if they never existed. Sports cards or postage stamps maybe?

I like them too. They arguably churned out the most great titles and are well built. With that said variety is always nice…don't limit yourself.

Cheap one in Cali, needs a little love.
ebay.com link: 1963 Williams skill pool