ts-2000 seamed to stand out for the most part ...
not to troulble anyone,is this a good entry level unit ...

Entry level? No. Great rig? Yes.

What bands will you be using? All of them, or just VHF/UHF? If you are
getting a Technician license, then yes, the rig is probably WAY overkill.
You could still work all-modes on 6m, 2m, and 440, which is fun. And you
could use the HF bands for SWL'ing. If you are going for General, then you
have made a good choice. A lot of bells and whistles on it though. You
could have gone with another great radio for far less money.

a person who likes to talk skip

I would refrain from using CB-esque slang on amateur radio. Instead of
"talkin' skip" perhaps you should refer to it as DX.

Dan