Turn table for my kid???

There’s a Technics SL1200 on the Audio Asylum trader for $500.

Bought a used NAD 556 (rega RP1 essentially) for my college aged son, with u-turn preamp and it worked out great! Definitely don't ignore used gear, RP1s with the performance package come up periodically on audiogon, or open box ones are cheaper at music direct or audioadvisor.

I just bought an excellent condition Beogram 5500 for my secondary system (wife friendly). Plug-and-play, Danish cool, solid construction. I am using it more than my Clearaudio main rig lately. Maybe I got lucky but it came with a very nice sounding MMC2. All for $250. Fully automatic which I think your daughter would appreciate.

With a budget of $500, I’d suggest avoiding speakers entirely and instead, opt for headphones.

Granted she won’t be getting a pair of Stax, but neither will she be getting a pair of Wilson Audio Sophias either...

Tboooe,

Definitely look into the Denon DP-300F for your price range. It has a built in phono preamp and is probably built better than the AT offerings. Crutchfield recently had them on sale for $200. 

I agree with Nordicnorm that you'll get the most bang for your buck with headphones.You can find some great headphones for around  $100, like the Grado SR80.

With the Denon DP-300F and headphones, you can be listening for about $300. You'd have a couple hundred left over for a Spin Clean record cleaner, carbon fiber brush, (a must) and a decent cartridge, like the Shure M97xe. Music Direct or Needle Doctor would likely be able to mount the cartridge for you. 

Since you're new to the hobby, I'd avoid vintage turntables for now.