Hi Spars!
An airbrush is always a precision device, no matter how expensive. Also the compressores are available from simple to best equipped. You have to know how often you use them and what benefits you expect. The paints today are water based and work in all airbrushes. For solvent-based paints, the double action airbrush needs suitable seals, good ventilation of the work area and a breathing mask. There is much to consider.
The expensive airbrushes and compressors for graphic artists and other professionals are not always necessary for our work. Of course, the seller will usually advice the buyer to choose the "best"?
My first experience was spraying water on newsprint. Then black paint in several thin layers on paper. Each pass was dry in a few seconds. I was thrilled. The first time I cleaned it I had a lot of dirty clothes with detergent, dirty hands and I dropped the paint pot. As a result, the airbrush disappeared into the closet for a year.
Today I can laugh about it heartily. With proper use, the cleaning of the airbrush is not dirtier than a brush cleaning.
Best regards
Thomas