NO. I've looked on sites and in catalogues for them on a few occasions, never taken the plunge. What I do think is that considering some as "first entry" may not be the way to go. If you don't have good quality gear aren't you more likely to be unimpressed and give up ? Go for what you can afford.
Not quite sure what you mean, but the standard rowing machine of nearly every rowing club is the Concept 2, which are pretty durable considering the amount of hammer they get.
You should be able to pick up a reasonably priced second hand one, but I would go for a privately owned one as it's likely to have had far less abuse than an ex gym/rowing club machine.
1.you will need plenty of room -(unless you can fold it up every time)
2. If you get an Air type rower, the noise may drive you & others mad -
(no quiet Sunday morning quickies)