Personally, the only EM pins I like have a full size flipper. I would recommend that the first one you get has them, the smaller ones can be a not fun challenge if you are not used to them.
Any of the Gottlieb single player wedge heads are a good start. I find the single player pin to be a bit more enjoyable, better rules. I would agree with you that drop targets are the way to go, ones with a lot are my favorites.
Any of the card theme Gottliebs are a good choice. I would not get "set" on any one title. EM pins seem to pop up all of the time. Just get them when they are reasonably priced and close by, if you like it keep it, if not sell it.
What makes EMs great is that they hold up pretty well in storage, so don't be scared off if you see one with 1/4" of dust on it. I have gotten a few that have sat for 10-30 years, never played and they will still work pretty well. Maybe one bad coil that made the pin unplayable and no one got it fixed and the pin sat. SS pins have never held up that well just sitting in my experience.