I will 2nd the Rock Island choice if you're looking to get an inexpensive milspec starter 1911. I have the nickel-plated milspec model and while yes, it's a nickel-plated sissy pistol pimp gun/ bbq gun/ show-off gun etc... It's accurate, reliable and the action is like butter.
I had a SW1911 that was also a very nice gun that gave me no trouble, and I got rid of that only to fund an AR. That's also a nice beginner choice. I'd still have mine if I hadn't jumped on the AR bus.
I've had two Para's and they both sucked balls. I have seen some sing their praises and that's great. I'm glad they're not all lemons. I decided to stay away though after the two shitboxes I had to deal with (C6 LDA stainless, and P12 Limited Stainless.)
I've shot a Kimber once and it ran just fine. I started looking into them in my early twenties and gathered that just waaaay too many bad reports were being posted about them, so I decided to not bother.
The newer manufactured Auto Ordnances (now made under Kahr) have a good record so far. As others have said though, stay away from the early guns. I don't recall exactly how to tell the difference but I'm pretty sure the newer ones will be marked with something like Worcester MA
I have shot an R1 once and I liked it a lot. Very smooth and the sights are plenty big.
I have zero experience with the Sig 1911 line but I would assume they are very nice guns. I've never owned any type of Sig but I've shot several pistol variations and they are built like a tank.
I love old Colts. Anything series '70 and older I drool over. I have one series '80 gun that again is a nickel-plated, mirror-bright, blind your ass with the sun's reflection gun. (I do have a weakness for bright nickel if you couldn't tell). I LOVE that gun. So much so that I rarely shoot it. It's not a safe queen though. Don't confuse me with someone who would buy a gun and never shoot it. F*ck that. Shoot EVERYTHING.
But seriously if you have the dough eventually and want something really classic and iconic, you must go with an old school Colt.