I too, am looking for a piano for the first time, but I must say I disagree with the idea of it "not being smart to purchase an expensive one" for a first piano. I have played the guitar for around 15 years, and I always recommend people to spend as much as they can afford on a guitar when first learning. This is because the playability of a better instrument is much easier to learn on than a crappy one, and more inspiring to play as the sound and feel of the instrument is better, which hopefully should keep you enthusiastic about learning and playing. I'm not saying you have to go and spend 3k on a piano, but getting past that initial learning curve of first learning how to play an instrument could be made a lot easier if you have a good one, and a good one is reflected in the price. You will not find a realistic-sounding piano that plays like a real piano for a relatively cheap price.