Would it be wise to buy a used first turbine?
Yes! BUT: Only if you know the owner & trust him & you have seen the engine actually fly a model. A turbine can make a lot of noise & RPM & not deliver anywhere like the supposedly rated thrust.
A lot of guys buy an engine & then realise they would rather be flying bigger (or smaller) models & sell good engines with low hours on them to buy something different. A friend just picked up a Wren 54 for $1000 for just that reason.
A P-70 is a great engine for the thrust range you are looking at. - John.