Advice Wanted- Which Starting Kit?

Hello, I appreciate folks reading this and offering their opinions. My goal is to create a simple multi-player avatar chat based world where the players can interact, talk, go to different areas. Most of the action will take place with the avatar models, sit, wave, dance etc. It will have a theme but will not be a full RPG with monster fighting etc.

As Im fairly new to the engine and learning quickly, would it be better to start with one of the starter kits or break it down and build from scratch? I do have the first book for Torque, All In One Guide.

Also, does anyone have a reference for server rentals?