So, as a new collector...when I go to the parks and look at the new pins for sale....

what would be considered a "good" investment? I use my traders to trade for stuff I like....but if I am BUYING pins I want them to have a potential for at least equal or high resale down the road if I need to sell them. Any suggestions? I am still learning the lingo and the basics of the tools of the trade...so, what would you suggest? Thanks in advance!!!

In a nutshell. Limited Edition pins.

There are very few exceptions, but most LE pins will remain desirable, especially if kept on the original backer cards.

Couldn't agree more with Lamorak !
With limited edition pins you are pretty much always going to find SOMEONE who collects that character/theme and will want to trade it. OEs are kinda meh.

Otherwise, just keep your eyes open on here. You'll kind of see what people collect and what is popular and sought after just by looking !
Pinpics trade/want ratios might be important as well (though I'm sure you won't have pinpics open all day at the parks )

Thanks guys!!

Stick to what's popular. Princesses, Tink, Maleficent, NBC, Haunted Mansion, Stitch, Up, etc. I tend to avoid pins with the fab 5 unless there is good subject matter like a popular ride, say Space Mountain. I know many don't like pins with words or dates, often the dated pins are only good for the right collector and are usually cheaper than cost later on.