My "BEST" answer to your "BEST" question....
I think before you can get any answers that might help YOU out, it would be good to know a few things...
1. Do you have an unlimited budget?? Bear in mind that a 'complete package' could run to $800 or so if all the options are included. On the other hand, if you might only need 4-8 channels for a rural location, probably a $40 investment would get all you might need....see #2. below....
2. What is your location and what frequencies and protocol are being used there now...or in the future?
3. Do you need an 'out of the box' solution...or are you tekkie enough to want to do your own programming, data entry, etc.
4. Are there any restrictions, covenants, regs. that would be a problem? This mostly applies to the antenna, however mobile usage in some places is also regulated...
5. You mention that you are new to scanning...so...are you willing...or eager...to spend a considerable amount of time learning all of the features and options that come along with the current scanners??
Just askin'.....you will get a better and more closely matched range of responses if you give the board a better idea of YOUR situation.
Good luck...happy scanning...etc..!