First of all, thank you very much for the input thus far. One thing I failed to do is let you all know budget. I was expecting to pay around $300-$400 for a system, including batteries. I don't know if this price range is low - mid - or high. From your suggestions, it seems to me that I must first choose a battery type. I have my mind set on LiPo, but don't know which would be good for me. I do want to have decent run times. If I have to spend more than the $300-$400 budget, I am willing to wait the extra time it takes to save up for a better system.

Thank you for all the comments thus far.