Second, any recommendations on the first boat/kayak to build for the beginner with some skills?

I built my first couple of kayaks before I had any real kayak paddling skills. Looking back, I realize that I would have been better to get some good instruction and skill development first; I would have saved several 'steps' in getting to the kind of boat I use now.

If you can manage it, spending the summer taking classes and paddling rented boats might be an idea to consider.

As far as first project suggestions, there are (too?) many choices. Do you want to build a strip boat or stitch-and-glue?
A 'work of art' or something more 'plain'? Kit boat (Pygmy would be my suggestion) or 'scratch build'?

You have come to the right place....it's like drinkers welcoming the newcomer to the bar, here..... ;-)