If you want a good cichlid to start with I have 2 convicts you can have for free. I will bring them to the meeting if you want them. They are good fish to learn with.
After you have them settled in I would get some females to help keep them friendly. They have them at Batfish link above ^
Or if you wait until the Big Fish Deal in 3 weeks you will have lots of choices. If you are registered to attend you have the rare fish auction, vendors, and of course the swap meet on sunday.