What's the best pick for my first welder?

Flux is a little dirty more clean up afterwards what ever machine you buy practice practice practice my machine is a Lincoln SP 100 I bought used and I use it for everything
Cleanup isn't a concern for me, I just don't wanna go a route that I ultimately can't use for my means. As far as autobody or sheet metal, I've heard more cons than pros, and wasn't sure whether that was honest reviews or just naysayers.

I did get a Harbor Freight cheapy 125a flux to try out, was hoping to see for myself since it seems like the flux machines burst onto the scene, but right out the gate the tip wont come off and the feed mechanism is a dud so it goes back tomorrow.