Cherokee,
I've made a couple of router tables, and they are a good first project. Just remember, your first table should probably be a simple design, and allow you to discover how you will use it. I started out with a double sink cut out from my kitchen remodel, and made a bench top style cabinet underneath it. I then played with the height, until I found out what worked best. Then, since I was doing bigger pieces, I opted to increase the square footage of my tabletop on my current router table.
I would not commit huge dollars to your first table until you play with a simpler one for a while. either grab yourself a decent base plate and inset it into a homebuilt table top, or pick up the oak park table and plate, and A & I supply table top and plate, pricecutter.com, etc., and see what works. Then, when you've figured out what you need (not necessarily what looks 'cool') you can then build the router table of you dreams!
Good luck, and make sure you keep us updated,
Doug