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Trying to figure out all that I need to get started:
the less pressing stuff:
airbrush cleaner, cleaning cup, facemask and some sort of spray booth or good ventilation, paint thinner, paints.

Even the compressor seems more straight forward, I just have to look for a large enough tank with a gauge and then possibly buy a tube set...

What I am really lost in is picking out the actual airbrush, from what I have read there are atleast four reliable brands, if not more: Iwata, Badger, Harder and Steinbeck, and Paasche are the ones specifically I've heard about.

I also know to look for dual action, gravity fed, needle between .2 and .5 and I think I will prefer non-pistol grip.

What I am stuck on is what separates these brands aside from these things/ what I need to look for. Some airbrushes even appear to be able to swap out needles. The price range and variety of choices are hard, and even shopping online is more tedious then normal.

I am curious if anyone can make any recommendations, offer some advice or insight, and/or possibly provide some useful links

I've got a Harder & Steenbeck Ultra. That's a nice starter brush. It's well made and easy to clean. I also got it in a 2-in-1 set with a 0.2 and 0.4mm needle / nozzle included.

As a European manufacturer though, they may be rarer / more expensive in the US.

Heard similar good things about the Badger Patriot.

What would be worth doing is visiting a store that sells a few different models, and see if you can see and hold a few different ones. What feels good in my hand may not feel good in yours.