I am studying for my general class and thinking about my options while I do.
I live in an apartment complex so RFI is a huge issue.
I am thinking of operating QRP using either PSK-31 or CW. Still need to learn morse .
What is the prevailing opinion? Am I asking for problems operating QRP right away as an HF newbie ?
As an FYI I currently operate on the FM Oscars using a 5 watt HT, so I am used to not getting thru all the time.
Also I am learning and operating alone, so I have no frame of reference against which to judge the performance of a QRP unit vs a QRO unit.
Opinions Please.

To all who responed, my thanks.
I have decided the only logical thing to do given the seeming 20 million restrictions I have is to go with a QRP (or close) unit and portable antenna.
This way I can work out of the apartment with the antenna by a window, (5-10w) isn't much RF to worry about !
It will also allow my to go portable, something I would like to do. Now I am trying to decide between the FT-817ND and the IC-703+. I'm kinda leaning towards the Icom. I have an IC-91AD and really like it.  Opinions about rig choice are more than welcome !

I live in the Phoenix, AZ metro area. I have been to two of the four clubs nearest my location.
Thus far I have been underwhelmed to say the least. In both cases I was basically ignored. No one introduced them self, or did anything to make me feel welcome. Rather the impression I was given was that these clubs, although claiming to be open to new members, really were not. Add to this the reaction of more than a few hams on the local two meter repeater nets which is that if I wasn't into what ever that net was about I really was not welcome to ask anything at all.
To be completely honest if I was looking to my experience with clubs and local nets to determine if I wanted to stay in amateur radio, I would turn in my license and go back to SWL !
Fortunately I have found that the Hams on the Oscars are much friendlier and I enjoy the technical challenge of  QRP satellite ops.
I am now looking to upgrade to general class so I can get on HF, I also plan to learn CW. With the ability   to get beyond this area hopefully I can make contact with all the friendly hams I keep hearing about.    

Don't let the "You must have" chorus keep you off the air for the next 10 years while you try to get the money for all the nice toys they claim you simply must have.
I get on the birds and make contacts on a regular basis with only the following:
A five watt IC-91AD HT into an Arrow II antenna that I point at the satellite BY Hand using info from the web site Heavens Above.
I may not have the biggest signal but it does work.
The need to maually point, change channels to compensate for doppler shift, and the fact that I'm operating QRP only makes things more of a challege.
It has forced me to get creative, and to hone my operator skills.
You can always add the fancy toys later.

No trees near my unit. if you are looking at it on google earth I am in the top left building, north side facing the parking lot. I have zero foliage. As for the channel I spoke of, it is a recess where the CATV wiring goes up the building. ( hence the concern about RFI). Elevation at roof top is approx. 20 ft.
Ideas ?

Thanks, Kevin

I live on the first floor in a two story apartment complex, roughly in the middle length wise facing the north parking lot. We have a brutal no antenna policy, and if that isn't enough the apartment is located in radio purgatory. ( surrounded by a steel parking cover)
This gives lots of multi path issues.
Okay, here are my questions and ideas.
1) How to hide antenna.
2) how to comply with RF safety guidelines, as well as avoid causing RFI.
3) How to get the antenna up high enough to work half way descent.
4) What kind of antenna should I use Wire, Vertical ?
Note I have no roof access, or trees or garden. Just a small vertical channel to possibly hide a mast in.
Oh, yes..no flagpoles allowed.
Please help, any suggestions would be very appreciated.
Thank you.
Kevin
KE7NGM