A lower end machine will do you fine as a beginner. Several things to look for were mentioned above. The extra perks but not necessities are needle down ( the machine will stop with the needle in the fabric which helps on long seams). Another perk is auto thread cutter. I have this on my new machine and love it. I prefer top load bobbin to front load. These are all things you can do without but the are a joy to have. It took me ove 40 years to move up in machines. I had to move up as I sewed so much I would wear out the gears. Cheaper to buy new than pay for repairs on those machines. I still do not have top of the line but have no desire for one either. The biggest thing is to get comfortable with what you can afford and enjoy quilting