I know a lot of people play Taylormade Buner Plus Irons that are under $300 new. SGI irons that I understand are very forgiving, I am not a big TM fan but many are. But again you can get some really great clubs almost new, save a few bucks for your putter, driver and woods, bag and lessions going used.
Rodger Dunn has a lot to pick from most are demo clubs. From there are you play more, you can start to replace as needed or find you like a differant brand or style. The whole idea is to get you out there, put time in and start to find what you like with little to no investment.
When you get to a point you find what you like start to invest and replace.
I think that you will find everyone on here will say the same thing. Unless you have unlimeted money it is not a bad way to go. Like I said I was not going to invest $900 in my son until I knew for sure what he was going to do. He is now starting to find his own way, next year I will have him put through a compete fitting for a top of the line new set but until then he uses his irons, or my stuff. Good example I got new set of wedges a 50 and 56 vokey $250 he used them last week and worked out great now they are in his bag and I ordered another set.
My diver went to him also he hit it better then the one we got from ebay two year old Callawayfor $50 free shipping looked new. I really dont care what he takes or uses but he has a great chance to play my friends and father in law stuff. They all want him to make the team and do what ever they can for him. Once he finds what works we look for it used/almost new or new.