Ravenloft is a real win that is bundled with 2 other expansions (from way back in the day). Most recently the combo was on sale for 99 points.
To be honest, I really feel the best way to get started is as a vip. There are numerous perks, but largely, it gives you time to figure out what you want to do, what you like, what is possible, and what you "need" to get to scratch that itch.
When I first returned not long ago as a purely ftp, I went crazy. So many quests were locked to me, I didn't remember about the wiki, and generally any team I joined was running content I didn't have as a ftp anyway.
Going vip made my life simple. I like simple things.