How many of each should I buy to field optimal build lists and not be in need of essential or important upgrades that may come with each pack in the wave. Shipping is a huge cost for me so I don't mind overbuying as opposed to underbuying.
Thanks in advance!
Just buy enough to have 100pts of the lowest point generic of each. That way you can never not have a ship or card you need for any build.
^ Your bank manager must LOVE you.
It's entirely down to your style. For me, I was aiming to get two of each of the small, but I'm bumping that up to three of the Striker.
Two of Sabine's TIE is enough to run all four pilots in one go, if you really want to push it, but one copy is still enough to run two of them (which is probably a more sane option). Multiple Upsilons may or may not be a thing, but it's safe to bet you'd be okay with just getting one, unless you're after a very specific build.
After that, it's down to what you enjoy. There's no point in picking up four Quadjumpers if you're not going to play Scum, etc.
I will be getting one quad (probably get more, if you want to spam the crane illicit) 1 or 2 strikers. I think the named striker pilots will be fine, but the generics probably not worth the points. 19 points for a ps 1 striker with light frame when I can get a ps2 tap pilot with title and thrusters for the same? Upsilon, for me depends on its dial, I don't need another slow shuttle. 0 rebel ties, because that is just wrong.
Edit: Forgot U-wings... Get one of thse to 
Just buy enough to have 100pts of the lowest point generic of each. That way you can never not have a ship or card you need for any build.
Whats that equate to for each exp?
I tend to buy one of each. Then if I feel I am going to use multiple I buy an extra of the small ships. I will only be getting 1 Rebel tie. But 2 strikers for sure. Maybe 2 Quads. They just seem fun.
Just buy enough to have 100pts of the lowest point generic of each. That way you can never not have a ship or card you need for any build.
Whats that equate to for each exp?
I'm not sure. Just check out the spoiler article on each and usually they spoil the generics. And I actually forgot about the Rebel Tie Fighter. I will only be getting one of those, because I'm kinda pissed that the Rebels even get a Tie to begin with so I'm pretty sure I won't play a swarm of them. But I will definitely swarm Strikers and Quadjumpers( just for fun)