RE: Which Heli for newbie??
I'd suggest checking what the local pilots fly. You'll want to have something that they know and can help you with. Pretty much all of today's major-brand heli's are very good machines and will suit you fine ... although you are about to be bombarded by people telling you which is "the best".
Also, do a search on RCU for something like "first heli" as this question is asked at least once a day.
Good luck,
Keith