I was in the same situation about a year and a half ago, so not knowing enough about the AR platform to know what I really wanted, this is what I did...
I bought a relatively inexpensive but decent quality complete rifle from PSA. Then I shot it as much as possible and read/learned as much as possible, mainly from the forums. After I had it figured out, I bought a complete upper with a barrel and handguard that I wanted, added some additional furniture and misc items and sold the original upper for a fair price.
"Never forget those who have died; Never forget who killed them."
-Unknown
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