First bike should not be a brand new shiny expensive scooter that you had to finance. However, it should not be some $800 (there are exceptions) POS with stuck carb needles and dry-rotted tires.
I think there is a good middle ground to find. Something like an SV650 or CBR F3, should be able to get a decent one of those $2.5-3K depending on season, location, etc.
It should be safe enough to ride, but it should be something you can pay cash for so you don't need to keep full coverage if you can't afford it, and you're not in a financial clusterfack if you wreck the bike.
*Couple Examples:
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/1087378624.html <-- damn thats tempting
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1075764730.html <-- careful about damage
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1082676458.html <-- careful about damage
I think you would be super pleased with either bike, you wont outgrow it anytime soon either.