Welcome to the addiction. There are lots of great pins you can still find in the $2000 range. I would see if there are any more out on location around you and get a better idea of what you like.

Don't let the Pro vs Premium/LE debate steer you away from some great machines either. There is a lot of great information on these forums as well as a lot of people who have nothing better to do with their money. There are a lot of great Pro machines out there. I own a Metallica Pro and it's probably Stern's most full featured Pro out there. It's missing the color changing lighting, the hammer, and spinners, but it's also one fast playing awesome machine. If you are made of money then by all means snatch up every LE you can get. If you aren't then think about the couple of Pro machines you can buy for that same money. They might not be exactly the same but it doesn't mean they aren't great machines.

I also wouldn't recommend a project for your first pin. Some people might disagree but get something that is working properly. Play the hell out of it and maintain it. Learn little repairs as they come up. A big project could be very discouraging when you don't know what you are doing yet and don't have another machine to play while you are working on it. Ease yourself into the hobby with something that works and you can enjoy.