How much are you going to use your workstation for ML/games? If you're just getting started and don't have a specific application in mind you should just play

How much are you going to use your workstation for ML/games? If you're just getting started and don't have a specific application in mind you should just play with some smaller problems, use Colab and/or use the $300 in GCP credits Google keeps advertising. If you're going to be doing this for an extended amount of time, then buying hardware will be better; you can get some good deals on second hand high end GPUs on eBay. The main risk is that you buy a bunch of gear, and then don't use it.