RE: Need opinions on "Best" starter Jet...
IMO the best starter jets (with true jet performance) are the Rookie II and the BVM Bobcat. the Velox looks good too, but I can´t recomend it because I didn´t have flown one yet.
Another good starter jet is the F-15, as long you don´t make it in grey camo... this particular aircraft is not only easy to fly, but easy to setup up too, because it only needs elevons to fly, as this is one of the very few jets that didn´t need flaps or speedbrakes for landings.
Enrique