HS II, T2, or WH20 are good starting titles for new collectors.
Especially when "souped up" either with some tweaking or even a PinSound board.
FT is a companion game for WH20, but is not necessarily the first game I would suggest.
From Stern, RBION is also a good keeper.
From Capcom, PM 3X better than ToM at half the cost.
If you are partial to older titles from the 80s, EBD or Flash Gordon are always winners.
You do not have to spend $7-10K for a good game in superb condition.

Many of the new potential owners I introduced pinball to over the years, I always suggested WH20, and they were never disappointed.
Unless you want to get bored fast, stay away from JPop games such as ToM and TOTAN, they are pretty but have little "one more game" potential in the long run. CV is also a pretty game with more depth, but does not appeal to entire families for the cost.

Read my review comments for ideas across the spectrum of game manufacturer titles I have owned.