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So, I haven't played 40k since 7th ed, and I'm starting to get bored of always playing and painting ww2 stuff. So, for a returning player "new" to 40k, what would people suggest? If there any army that is easier to learn to play now? Are they all generally the same? I've always been interested in a necron force, but a small chaos warband (500ish point maybe) might also be fun, especially with the new models.

Also, hopefully this thread might prove useful to any other players thinking of returning, or even completely new players.

Necrons are not particularly competitive due to scarcity of heavy anti-tank weapons and the fact their reanimation protocols don't scale well. This makes them strong in small games (<1000 points) but weak at 1500 and over.

Chaos has shiny new models but playing an army you enjoy is important.

I'm even tempted with deathwatch/Inquisition, cause my modeling bug can be seriously itched, while also playing an army.

Deathwatch are the best marines in the game at the present - sadly most regular marines don't stand up too well in 8th.

Chaos are good - got a lot of options for daemonic allies and with the new Vigilus Rules there are plenty of traitor legions or renegade chapters to choose from.

Based on your comments it sounds like Death Guard may be worth considering, as they are easy to start with both when it comes to collecting due to the starter sets and are also one of the more forgiving play styles to learn due to their resilience. They can be easily allied with other Chaos forces as well.

Inquisition has unfortunately been left in a woefully noncompetitive state by GW with indications that it is unlikely to change anytime soon. Deathwatch are pretty much the best marines now when played well, as already mentioned, but it can be tricky learning how to use them well since they tend to be fragile for their costs.

IMHO, starting Chaos right now is a all-you-can-eat buffet type of situation. You have so many options, it's insane. You could absolutely let your modeling side go crazy.

OTOH, Deathwatch is a very viable force (if not lacking a little in good AT). The Inquisition is in a poor place (hopefully rectified in a future WD) but adding an assassin is pretty darn easy.