I need some turntable guidance

You are going to get a lot of different and conflicting advice.  A few questions:
1. I assume from your question that this will be your first turntable?  
2. Do you prefer new or vintage?  Drive type: belt, direct drive or idler wheel?  

If this is your first time I would advise you to buy a good but not terribly expensive unit.  This is where a good dealer can be of great help. 

Turntables are like girlfriends.  You and I will almost certainly have different ideas of the perfect turntable.  You may not have (and should not expect) a lifelong commitment to your first turntable.  And turntables can be deceptively expensive.  I suggest making sure your first turntable is a cheap date.

My recommendation is that you decide on a budget you can afford and go to a couple of local dealers who can let you audition some turntables, and set up the turntables for you.

If that is not an option, buy something new and already matched up (Technics, Pro-Ject, Rega) and see if you can find someone local to help you set it up.

You can’t go wrong with new Technics SL1000R or SP10R
and if it’s too much then look for SL1200G
the GR is even cheaper 

Do you currently have a substantial record collection, or are you starting from scratch?  Will the TT be used primarily as a secondary source?  Do you want a plug and play table?