Hi Luvrockin, merry Christmas by the way,
don't rule out belt drives,when I got back into vinyl after 25 yrs, pulled old dual 1229Q out of storage(idler drive) I was quite happy until hungry for more. When asked my local Hi Fi guy about direction
he suggestedthe Project experience 2 Acrylic belt drive with ortofon red mmcart $1000 set up and ready for play. Inexpensive cart, quality graphite tone arm, worthy of cart upgrade when you're ready. Later picked up Project speed box 2 (no need to touch belt for speed change),
$120.
You mentioned usb table,I also thought about this, instead went with ADL gt 40 dac and adc phono headphone pre $500 it is only mm but a great little unit with the ability to digitize your vinyl use head phones off computer with pretty decent dac and own volume control.
The Project table was a good starting point and the follow up changes where easy to implement without breaking the bank, it kept me hungry enough to want more rather than running away.
Since then I've upgraded phono and cart.
The ADL GT40 is made by Furatec a pretty good outfit.
Cheers,enjoy the journey, patience will be rewarded.
PS.all my figures are Canadian $$$