Budget would be around $1000-1500, as for the plants I would probably go for auto flowering, something small and simple to start with just to get the experience. I read that LED lights have a low energy cost and low heat output so I would like to go with those. I'm thinking of going with a 2x4 or 3x3 size tent currently, but I'm still doing research and learning about everything. Thank you for your input everyone!
That's a fair budget , so here's a few companies depending on where you are.
If in Australia then check out growlightsaustralia
USA horticultural lighting group or timber
There's many more but I tend to suggest companies who've come up through this forum or whos lights I own and can vouch for.
In the UK there's diyleduk, who's names probably change, but sells all reputable LEDs this side of the pond.
You will get better suggestions in the LED subsection.
There are just so many good lights these days.
I'd be tempted to go with speedwells advice and use a 4x4 tent because then you've got more room and I don't know many who haven't wanted to expand once they get into the hobby, so buying a 2x4 only to upgrade everything In 6 months can be a waste.
Obviously bigger the space the more the lighting and extraction ect is needed but nothing to say you can't half fill and light that tent and add to it later.
Your right in that LED saves power , as in you can use less watts to light an area , but you need to consider your environment too.
If your in a particularly cold area then you have to heat the space more which is defeating the purpose in some cases.
Here's some rough ideas on LED power consumption for spaces, assuming they are of good efficiency.
2x4 tent , 240w 320w
3x3 tent 320-400w
4x4 tent 480-600w
You can also look at 315 cmh lights if you were in a 3x3 tent.