So, I'd be brand new to this, so I'm not sure where to start/what the best options/prices are at the moment.
I'd really like to get the TfA set (all 4, not just the 2 that I'm seeing mostly) and I know I'd need a starter as well. What are the best options here?
Depends on what you have:
-PC is a free download, you redeem the codes on the figures and don't worry about accesories or putting the figures, etc. So the entry price in this case, varies by the deals you find the figures.
-Consoles, you could check daily on deals around the Starter Pack. It was at $40 last week.
--The digital download is $20 until next month(?), but recquires the USB portal, which can be bought used on Gamestop (under $10, keeping in mind that the Xbox portals are platform specific, but PlayStation and Nintendo work with each other).
--On PS3/PS4, there's starter pack that includes the playset and figures of Twilight of the Republic (Anakin and Ashoka, based on Clone Wars) and Rise Against the Empire (Luke and Leia, based on the original trilogy).
-The Force Awakens only has one playset with Rey and Finn. Kylo and Poe are sold by separate and individually. Amazon has a bundle with them all (4) for like $10 less. (But TRU had the same for $43 at release, so I went with that one).
So..yeah, deals are aways coming and going.