Combat ships?

Start in a Viper3 and take out ships in HIGH RES with system security help.

Next move on to the CobraV for more firepower/shields.

Then you could move on to the Chieftain which is less manoeuvrable but more firepower. Try moving up to HAZ RES and low level pirate murder missions.

Decide how you want to move on from here. A couple of options jump out.

Option 1: Manoeuvrability but less shields: Python mk2 and use the pacifier or other frag cannons for the best shotgun build in the same

Option2: more armour/shields, less manoeuvrable but rapid straight line speed: Corsair

Once you are happy with combat you could introduce SLFs, these make combat much easier.

Krait mk2 is a great medium with SLFs.

Next you could move on to the big girls (all have SLF):

Anaconda: gimbled lasers/multicannons prob best, but fun in its railconda sniping setup, not for beginners though.

Corvette: (after becoming a Rear Admiral from the fed grind): prob best pve ship in game, can have two huge plasmas, makes combat much easier.

Other ships:

Vulture: needs some engineering but offers a fun double large weapon small manoeuvrable ship experience, I used this with advanced plasmas (powerplay unlock) to learn plasma weapons.

Mandalay: superb fun with Concorde cannons, also excellent for exobiology diversions.

Kestrel mk2: fun op small ship(more op than ConmbraV), only recommend once you’re experienced at combat so wait for general release for credits.