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Is it still a valid way to learn the game, or has too much changed rules wise that someone starting would be confused when they switch to 9th?

We are talking about a rank beginner who never played before.

I wouldn't teach someone new an old edition, no.

Models are fine, but the free rules pdf is a better starting point that won't cause later confusion for no reason.

Sure. All you need to know are the basics. After that each edition is just tweaks to whatever you've already learned.

If that is all you have available to you, it would certainly show the basics to an absolute beginner. The difference between 8th and 9th aren't so big that many of the same concepts would change. I would double-check the GW website to see if they have updated their quick-play/free rules pamphlet thinger though.

I would suggest just playing the mission from the core rules with a 500 points army.