Recommended first turntable?

If you do get an older (and/or cheaper) table make sure it is set up properly before you use it, or sooner or later it will damage your records. You also need to learn enough about it that you can keep it set up. (On a low budget, an experienced technician my not be affordable.)

Similarly, if a record is very dirty it is better not to play it until you have cleaned it, or some of the dirt may be ground deeper into the groove.

With those two warnings heeded, you should be able to get nice music for relatively little money.

The Systemdek design was a good one, and I would consider a IIx in good condition as my first low-budget choice... with the parts proviso, of course. However the design has been revived by Audio Note and it might be possible to source parts from them. Alternatively, a new AN TT might be an option.