What's wrong with going to your local (knowledgible) guitar shop and asking them for some help buying. It's not like buying a used car, they'd be happy to work with you.
When I bought my first electric guitar, the show owner said: "You pick one that looks like a Strat or like a Les Paul"
Meaning, they are all good in this shop, you're not good enough to know the differences between these at your level of playing.
If their prices are way out of line, get them to fit you for something that works for you (width of fretboard, weight (LPs are heavy) and then buy one off eBay. But generally, a shop will be able to get you started. It's way cheaper than buying a Porsche.