I'm Zona and new to the forum also, I agree with buying a used bike first to see what you like. I started off on a Trek 1.2 that a friend gave me that his wife was afraid to ride, after 2 months of riding I was sold and bought my first
new bike in years. I have been riding my Trek 2.3 for the past 3 years and love it.
A bike you love is worth every penny, and like Bike Writer said you can probably sell the used one when you are ready to upgrade.

Zona