What do you suggest for a beginner?
When you say beginner... Are you referring to new to the different types of rider mowers? If that is the case, try out your friends mowers... see if someone you know will show you the pros/cons of their particular rider... you can also go to some of the name brand dealers, they have various types of mowers you should be able to try out...
Some considerations you may have... if you have a new built house, you may not have a lot of obstacles yet... so in the beginning maneuverability may not seem to important... but it eventually will be...
If price is a big concern you might start by deciding what type mower you like... then look for the various used of that type... KennyV