It's all been said. First, get a good grinder and budget approx $500-700 for that. I use a Macap and I'm happy with it, there's probably better out there but I'm happy with what I have... for now. ;-)
Next, if the budget for the machine is under $2,000 that leaves a lot of choices and as has been discussed in other threads, particularly Peter's thread, at approx 2K you can't really go too wrong on the available prosumer machines. It was pointed out that they can break down, so can cars, and space shuttles and pens run out of ink... all of those things can be remedied. If you have a lot of space on your kitchen counter and you don't mind a lot of heat then a commercial machine might be a good idea. At a certain level, approx $1600-2000 you are buying a machine with good ability to remain constant on first shot, good repeatability in rapid back to back shots and good milk ability.
Buy the best grinder you can afford, then buy the best espresso machine you can afford. Reduce any doubts in your mind due to equipment limitiations because you will question whether the results are because of you or your equipment- purchase high quality if you can afford it.
I fundamentally disagree with the comments about prosumer machines taking up a lot of space, as compared to what. Is there a machine out there the size of a matchbook? My prosumer machine doesn't take up a lot of space. As for this comment "The Gaggia will take any beginner through to the point where they've maxed their barista skills, and future upgrades will be based on machine sex appeal and the need to show off." That has to be one of the silliest things I have ready in several weeks.