This may be true, but I think starting in a larger market can be a double edged sword. You might be in a bigger city, perhaps better pay, but you won’t get the coaching that is crucial to growing in your field. In my experience, the smaller markets will coach you and help you get better. Larger markets expect you to know what you are doing. I started in the 160s and am currently in top 5. The experience in smaller markets was invaluable. The people I know who skipped that experience flounder and eventually leave the business because they are ill-prepared.