I have only played a few Kentuckys. I understand they are built well compared to other entry-level instruments. Of the few I played, none of them inspired me to sell my Eastman.
I started on an entry-level Ibanez A-style for about a year. Once I stepped up to the 315, I played more and improved. The first day I brought the Eastman to a jam, I let my friend take it for a spin. He normally plays a $3600 Weber. Two weeks later he showed up with a new MD515. He said he loved mine, but wanted the glossier finish!
I have the “Mandolin for Dummies” book by Don Julin, there’s also a second book of exercises that go with it. For reference at jams, I pack the “Mandolin Picker’s Fakebook” by David Brody. Lastly, not a how-to book, but ‘partly why I play the mandolin’ book is “Can’t You Hear Me Calling: The Life of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass” by Richard Smith. As you can see, I’m a grasser!
A good sounding and good playing instrument will inspire you to play more and improve. It’s worth the extra saving, overtime, or garage sale. I picked up extra work around the holidays to buy mine, came with a case with a hygrometer. Never used a capo.
Whatever you choose, I hope it brings you great joy!