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Guess I'll put my 2 cents worth in. I started with a hand held (FT60) and since have acquired a range of radios. The FT60 was my mobile with an accessory plug and a mag mount antenna for a couple of years before I bought a real mobile (FTM400XDR) still using the same mag mount.
I have a couple of Baofengs that I like and use. They are harder to program but I use software to program all of my radios, so problem solved.
If the local repeaters are using the Fusion digital, not all have it turned on, then the FT2 someone mentioned would be at about your price range. I recently purchased a used one and like it so far. The clarity of the digital is great, but there is a shortage of hams to talk to because of the competition from other digital modes.
I think you will find that the more frugal radio will meet your needs for a while until you decide which features are important to you. And yes, most of these radios can receive bands on which you can't transmit so your listening to air is not out of the question. Check the specs on the radio to be sure of the ranges of receive frequencies.
Smartphone app called Echolink. A good place to try once you get your ticket (license). I'm not sure you can use the app until you have your call sign on file?
Linear Mode
