Lotta people might suggest starting with a cob but I think they're a bit advanced. Since the draft hole is quite large you'll end up sucking in ash if you're not careful. Plus the cob can and does burn, etc. They're fun but a tad fiddly IMHO.

I'd go with a decent yet inexpensive briar with a big enough bowl that it won't be cramped. And I wouldn't buy it on eBay.