Wendy- i would stay local- why pay for shipping? I work with both Midwest Imports and European Imports- they each have some items the other doesnt- also i always like to have a back up supplier
i work with both blocks and pistoles and different brands for different items- my favorites are probably CocoaBarry, but i also use Van Leer and Callebaut- you might be able to get some samples from different suppliers
remember- you are not stuck with anything- dont buy in too much quantity at the beginning- that way- if you dont like something - switch- or try a few brands- at approx. $30 a block (which gets used up very fast) these arent big investments- dont get yourself stuck secondguessing yourself on the small stuff | 
