Hey Mitch!
The best thing to do is find, then sign up to the costume group (detachment) your really keen on building. For example... myself and one other in the bay area are pilots so we both joined the Jolly Roger Squadron Detachment to find support, info and all details required to complete our Pilot costumes.
https://www.jrs501st.com/forums/index.ph...85f57d18d2
IOC detachment
http://www.501st.com.au/forum/showthread.php?tid=65
Gunners
http://www.501st.com.au/forum/showthread.php?tid=64
On the specific detachment forums you will find peoples build threads at all stages, feedback on trusted suppliers, discussions on intricate details as well as who to steer clear of. There is a TON of info on these detachment forums, try not to get overwhelmed and just slow it down, read a lot of the info then just start from the basics. Most detachments will have an area to introduce yourself and be known to your new community then get cracking reading all the info on suppliers and costuming info.
Dont make the mistake i made and sign up to a detachment 3/4 of the way through my first build. It cost me time, money and was frustrating as whilst building i had not a good knowledge of what a completed kit should look like, in detail. Hold off on ordering until you have done the research and if still in doubt please contact our GML, Phantom
http://www.501st.com.au/forum/member.php...le&uid=178 prior to purchasing and he can lend you some solid advice so you don't go out waste your money.
In the bay area we have a good spread of costumes with an Officer, 3 Mandolorians, A Vader, 2 TIE Fighter Pilots, A Snowy, Two Sandy's, Two Jawa's and an Royal Guard already as approved troopers.
Whatever costume you design to build go for the one your most passionate about.
We have an event in Bundy within a few weeks so if your interested sign up here
http://www.501st.com.au/forum/signupsheet.php?eid=1234 and you will have the chance to meet almost all of us in the area.
Cheers. Nick (BigDub)