My advice on the BCD, is really not to skimp with regards to the cost and quality. Unfortunately as with a lot of diving equipment; you really get what you pay for.
Personally I started diving with a Mares Vector Origin BCD, which was perfect until I started to add accessories to my personal dive collection.
After a while I found the Mares BCD which cost me about Euro 300, just didn't make me feel comfortable. So after a while and a lot of consideration I invested in a Sea Quest Pro QD, which has proved to be one of the best investments I have made.
I still have the Mares BCD hanging in my study, doing nothing, along with a cheap mares regulator set, which I also replaced once I had more experience.
Simply put - Don't skimp, if you don't want to invest the money to start with, rent the kit and buy yourself something you are happy with at a later date. Trust me, if you buy the lesser quality kit, you will regret it in the long term - I did.
Hope this helps
Paul