If this is the first heli then start smaller like mcpx or the msrx. These little birds are durable and inexpensive to fix after a major crash. Or you could opt for a flight sim. The sim of choice around here is Real flight 6. Some other considerations are parts, how accessable or they. Many people start with a T-rex or a t-rex clone, I went the clone. Nice thing about the blade is that you can get a DX6i tx which is what a lot of pilots have, if they have not upgraded to the DX7 or DX8.
Now for the clones, which one would i get? There are a few brands to look at all with their own advantages or lack there of. Ones that have been mentioned a lot on here is the Tarot, HK and EXI. These brands can be upgraded with Aligns products, which means that parts are very readily availible. Terot is maybe the highest quality clone out there. A few folks on here use Tarot parts to replace their broken T-rexs. I think Lee or Gaba can fill you in an the expectations of the model. I have the EXI and I have had my share of issues with it. Is it a bad clone, not really. If it is built correctly and with the right parts it flies just as good as the other clones. I am about to upgrade my original parts for higher quality parts. Not because I have to, but because I want to.
I hope this helps you a little. Sorry I did not answer your original question fully. Some of the other pilots will be able to since they have more experience than I.