Aloha,
Just wanted to add my 5cents.
You know, I am a beginer too.
I have only been playing the Ukulele for 2 years now.
My first Ukulele, I got off ebay for $22 shipping included ( crap, I know... )
I learned alot on the little guy, but as I got better I found myself limitted by only having 12 frets ( it was a soprano, obviously )
My wife got me a Kala Koa Tenor for my birthday last year ( thanks honey
), and it is MUCH better.
The whole thing cost like $280.00 for the Ukulele, a hard foam case, taxes, and shipping to Texas.
So, you wouldn't have to save long to be able to get it.
Not like a Kamaka, ( really good brand ) where the tenor is like $1200.00 I think.
Now, even though I am still a beginer, ( wanna be able to play like braddah IZ someday ) I am able to learn more, because I am not limited.
I don't know your age, but most grownups find the tenor size the most comfortable ( I sure do ).
So, to make a long story even longer
I think that a tenor, or atleast a concert would be the best thing to start learning on, so you will be able to enjoy it longer, without having that frustration about wanting to advance, but being held back by a short fretboard.
I hope this helps make your decision easier.
Aloha,
Acabooe