Starting out, what do I need?

[2ndGearRubber]

My thoughts:
First and foremost don't get sucked into the ******* match of gigantic tool chests(you'll then feel obligated to fill)and status brands, you know what I mean.
If at all possible don't go in debt at all, especially as this may not wind up being a career.
Only you will know the tools required for your particular jobs. Single brand dealership work will narrow the needs a bit. Good advice above about not spending big on SAE size tools that will see little to no use at a new car dealership. Another kernel of wisdom another member here once said was buy what you can afford, if it fails buy better.
Be the best diagnosic guy in the shop and nobody will make fun of your tools if they didn't all cost a fortune. You'll be eating steak while the indebted ones are having hamburger helper.
Good luck!

Going to disagree, and say DO fill a big tool box. Just don't spend all the money on a box, and not on tools.

Tools=work. Investing pays dividends. The issue is all about buying what you need versus random wants and tool truck purchases. By all means, tool truck purchases are fine. But I've seen too many guys buy X amount of money off a tool truck when migrade tools could have filled out more of their needs, and improved efficiency.