I didn't follow the rent equipment thing, but I have bought 2 packages from REI, and they were great. When I went to upgrade about 6 years ago after having crappy skis for ten years, I bought a pair of boots that just cut my feet to pieces. After trying 3 or 4 times, I returned them, no questions asked. The service was great. I upgraded my skis again last year, near the end of the winter and again, they were great. I decided to keep my boots, and no one pressured me into buying anything.
I did take 2-3 lessons, as I am not a down hill skier. It helped a lot. Although I do remember being so excited when I got my first skis, I drove to a local golf course and tried them out, without any instruction.