What country are you in? Very different options sometimes.
What’s your budget? This is probably the biggest factor in answering your questions.
The AT-LP60X or AT-LP3BK are the cheapest turntables you can buy new or refurbished that are actual turntables and not junky plastic pretending to be audio equipment. Link: https://outlet.audio-technica.com/catalog/category/view/id/1115/?product_list_order=name
Do not buy a suitcase or retro-style player. They’re literally all the same cheap Chinese part that is just junk.
For double to ten times the price, you can get vintage turntables in decent condition that are much better equipment. Especially if you can find a place to go in and shop instead of ordering online. That said, I’ve had good experiences with Reverb and eBay (but it helps if you’re a shrewd buyer). I’ve heard lots of people get great gear from Facebook, etc.
to catch them is my real test
to train them is my cause