First project buy - can someone help me with some advice and/or opinions?

For a 1st project buy a running, driving car that isn't all rusted out.

You might not get the exact car you want, but you can move up later.

Take a class in auto body to learn how to do the body work yourself, then fix up a car that is worthy of restoration.

there was a 71 or 72 dart for sale with good interior, decent paint and tires. he was asking $5,500

It is a whole lot better to pay for shipping on a good car than pay $1,000's on body work. Major panel replacements will cost big $$$$$