looking to buy my first welder

thanks guys

i havent seen anything on craigslist that fits the bill AND my budget

this is the only one i guess i would consider
Lincoln Electric Welder Handy Core

and it looks like the same guy is also selling this
Lincoln electric welder

also, thanks for clarifying the difference between gas and fluxcore
my welds are not always the best looking to begin with so perhaps gas would be the better choice

I would not have anything that is not or can not be converted to gas. I'd encourage you to "save up." Advice above is spot on.