I have been doing some research in order to buy my first pin as well. Here are a couple of links that might help if you are looking for a pin under $3000 as your first.

http://www.aussiearcade.com.au/showthread.php/62821-What-title-would-you-buy-if-you-had-2-2-5K
http://www.aussiearcade.com.au/showthread.php/65474-Pinball-prices-cause-and-effect-and-future-speculation?p=817885#post817885

If anyone else can make some other suggestions - more than welcome!