I believe you will quickly get frustrated and lose interest if you buy too big of a project, especially as your first.

The first game I purchased was from a local shop that could help and provide service if I needed it. Probably cost me more, but was worth it. At the end of the day I turned out fine anyway because of pin pricing inflation.

Another consideration, buy a game in nice condition. Don't waste your time with projects, yet. I have seen people who don't buy a perfect game because it's $200 "too high" and end up waiting 6 month before they find another, just to pay even more.

Or buy a cheaper game, then ended up putting $400 in parts in it, just to end up in the same place.

Don't get fixated on price, instead on what you are getting for the price. I don't restore games anymore, but, games in excellent condition are worth more to me