Rega p10 vs SME 12A

Hi, I’m an Audiophile who has been focused on building out my headphone listening options, but is now interested in getting a turntable. I’m just getting into vinyl, so no established collection at all. Despite the obvious sound advice of getting into it with a much more modest setup, I know myself: I tend to purchase gear after a lot of online forum research, A/B testing of targeted equipment either at retail, through friends, etc., or at least checking things out in person at the standard US audio shows. So, even though it may take awhile (which I’m fine with, I’m in no rush and the research is part of the fun part to me), when I do buy, rather than purchase “modestly” and upgrading over time when/if the desire hits me, I tend to research a ton, and then buy once at the highest level my arbitrarily established budget allows. May not be the best, and definitely not the only way to play in the audiophile hobby, but it has mostly worked for me over the years.

Except I think, potentially, for this arena around building an analog based system and starting from scratch. I don’t know it nearly enough, and the inability to check things out in person are obviously limited. Also, a lot of the information I read online for vinyl newbs focuses on the first timer angle, so the recommended equipment options often are entry-level or budget focused, not a lot of information for newbs who (probably assuming recklessly) are looking for a TOTL analog setup.

So, a couple of general questions for those more knowledgeable:

1. I’m leaning toward the Rega Planar 10 for a turntable (and I think they have a nice, complementary package that includes tonearm and cartridge, so that’s the bundle I’m interested in), but not married to it. Any other brands/TT packages others recommend I should consider, that are in the same quality/price level as the Rega P10?

2. I’m based in the US (Colorado), and it seems that Rega has only one US-based authorized reseller down in TX. Is that really the only purchasing option for US customers, or are their other US-based Rega owners who can recommend other outlets?

3. More generally, any recommended online resources that provide information for the weird niche I fall into (vinyl newbie, a bit wider than average starting budget https://tutuappx.com/ https://tweakbox.mobi/)?

If you decide on the Rega P10, most certainly get the Aphelion.

Rega is for someone who wants a "high enough" performance with plug and play convenience. I say "high enough" because upper level setups require a certain amount of obsession and neurosis to strive for "absolute sound." Rega+Rega cart requires no alignment jigs-3 screws and you're done, ready to play.

Just make certain you spend an good amount on the phono stage to allow it  sound it's best. Get the SME or whatever after you've also upgraded the rest of the system to support the "next level" turntable