Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard!
Die-cast models are metal models that are pre-built and painted. Squadron.com sells quite a few of them and they are well-built and painted. They are just a tad on the expensive side but OK to buy to study how they are built and painted.
If you have never built any models before, I would suggest getting what are called Snap-fit or Snap-tight models. They don't cost an arm or a leg and are easy to build with very little gluing needed. The kit usually has a list of the paints needed either on the box or on the instruction sheets. Just jump in and try it. If you like it, great. If you don't, you haven't spent a fortune to find out.
If you have any problems or questions, just go to the section of the forum for what you're building (airplanes, autos, armour, sci-fi etc.) and ask. There are many great guys and gals on here that are very knowledgeable and are always ready, willing and able to help out.
Enjoy.
Jim 
Main WIP:
On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II
I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.