looking to buy my first welder

As a welding supervisor for 10+ years of my career at Newport News Shipbuilding, I would recommend a MIG over the flux core. MIG will handle anything you need around the home / garage / farm, especially if you get a 220. Right now I'm using a 220 Lincoln that I bought 15 years ago used. Never had any problem at all and does everything I need. It will run flux core but I've never needed it. Whatever you get, PRACTICE on scrap before you attempt any real work. Easy to make a nice looking bead that has poor penetration.