i wood start with somthing like a squier (they have package deals) then if ya like it move up if i wuz u i wood prolly try and play more slap and pop (like me) check out my mp3s i am a bassist i am self taught
but a qaulity bass like a fender jazz bass . im not gonna tell u wat to do but ive been playiin bass for a while and already can paly stuff like orion from metallica and schisim from tool and pretty much everythhing from red hot chilis,be comfortable when you play use either a pick or pluck the string keep practicing and you will get better .
I recommend an Fender. hands down. playing wise you really need to fiddle around with it. I play my bass with my single index finger but what works for me may noit work for u