Ackies are indeed a great first time monitor. They will teach you a lot about what it takes to keep monitors and typically don't have bad attitudes given enough time working with them. I would strongly advise against starting off with anything from the indicus complex (mangroves, peach throats, melinus, etc) as their care is less forgiving, they tend to be really shy until they're fully acclimated (empty cage syndrome can be a drag), and even a small peach throat can really cut you good with a bite, moreso than ackies and even savannahs. Plus the vast majority of peach throats are going to be wild caught and not in the best shape when they arrive state side.