First you need to decide what kind of rig you want, CIRAS, RRV, LBV etc. Then you need to set how much you want to spend.
The rig should fit what style of game you're looking to play, please don't say sniper....
Sniper.....
I was thinking like an RRV
I hope your not serious..
If so, go simple, eg ruck and a few pouches on a first line setup.
If your not serious about a "sniper", get the Eagle.
You can pick one up for under $200. If that's how much you've decided to spend.
Don't skimp on pouches. They'll make a bigger diference than the vest.
In order of MY priorities...
Hydration, ammo, comm and the rest of the crap you feel you can't go with out.
Prepare to spend just as much on pouches, if not more, as you do on the rig.
Also here's a tip, you should keep your weapons and gear in "harmony" for lack of a bettter term.
If you have a kink towards M16's well stick to them. If AK's rock your jock well than stick to those.
It's all trial and error if you're starting out.
However being probably more than twice your age makes a difference in what I recomend and what you decide.
Add a few greys and you'll see, but that's a different topic.