Yup the lama would be a good starter, so would the eflite cx2.

The Mode 2 thing, I think, is because on a full size helicopter the controls are sort of the same--left stick or handle is collective, throttle can be a twist grip on this stick like a motorcycle throttle, right (center, between your legs) stick is cyclic, feet work the rudder (anti-torque). And the cyclic works like the joystick of a full-size airplane controlling pitch and bank too.
Mode 1 is used in Japan, UK i believe, Australia, elsewhere. I'm not sure why, I think it might be a historic relic--from the days of 2-channel airplanes with single-stick transmitters: throttle up and down, turn left and right.

Most of the good simulators give you the option of using mode 1 or mode 2. In the US or Canada they will default to mode 2, and you may need to special-order a mode 1 version. I'm not sure if you can switch your transmitter, I know mine can't.

And finally (no offense kevinator9!) mode 2 is better.