Congrats on your Tech license! Now go for your General (that's what I have) right away. Extra is the highest level.
At the risk of stepping on some toes, the Big Three in handi-talkies are usually considered Yaesu, Icom and I guess Kenwood. Kenwood has been fairly quiet lately in the amateur market. These are all reputable companies. You get what you pay for and remember you may need service in the future. Alinco is maybe one step down. I believe they are all Japanese companies. It would be hard to find an American-made HT anymore.
My VHF preference is for Yaesu and we have three VX-1s, which are low power and shirt-pocket size. My old Yaesu FT-530 is a dual bander and does 5 watts. I love it. That FT-60R would be several generations newer. 5 watts is good for an HT.
Amateur Electronic Supply (known simply as AES) lists the FT-60R at $184.99 plus of course shipping. They have several stores around the US. Our school club usually buys ham equipment from them rather than someone we're not as familiar with. Their headquarters is in Milwaukee, WI.
R & L Electronics in, as they put it, HAMilton, OH, lists it for the same price.
These are both good companies to deal with in the Midwest. There are others. I would say to stay away from eBay for now.
When you get interested in HF emergency communications for longer distances, I would recommend Ten-Tec (American-made in Tennessee) for a base station and Yaesu for a mobile setup. Couldn't resist a plug for Ten-Tec. You can do a lot from home with simple wire antennas. Most ham radios run off battery power and can also use AC with a power supply.
Did you find a local club to work with besides taking your test? It sounds as if you have some local contacts anyway.
Like Sam says, start out slow and add equipment bit by bit.
73 de Peg KB9LIE
PS: If you hear hams saying "hi hi" it's the spoken Morse Code equivalent of LOL.
