Claymore65

All the advice up there is good, you may want to consider some Ronin as well for your Viktorias. The Freikorps box set is definitly a good idea. I would pick which one you enjoy most and expand that one first...

The Malifaux Wiki (http://pullmyfinger.wikispaces.com/Gathering+Supplies) has a really great description of the different crews to start with. I personally suggest the Freikorps box set, as it is an easy effective set with a nice 26 SS crew and introduces you to a lot of aspects of the game, from buffing to spells (with the Librarian) and "companion-like" activation tricks (letting a model of yours activate before your opponent goes like normal). Remember to pick a faction you think sounds interesting over one that's easy, however. I also picked up the Leveticus starting set and I have a blast with that too, so don't think you can't start with a "hard" faction. Most importantly, pick a master that sounds interesting and some models you like the look of.

In terms of combos, anything with the Freikorps box set is good for a beginner. It's an easy army to use with a lot of good synergy and it's not very complex (simply stay together and blast away). The Viktorias aren't bad for a beginner either, as others as said as long as you realise they can be quite squishy. As for Leveticus, I started with him (and Von Schill) and I didn't have too many problems. Be aware that he requires some things outside of box set (namely another set of Hollow waifs and a Desolation engine) but he is still quite fun. I would also say Hoffman isn't nearly as difficult as he sounds and can be fine for a beginner (my buddy started him instead). If you want to try out Hoffman, make sure to buy a peacekeeper first as well. Ramos is also an excellent choice and his box set comes with a ton of points. All your choices seem good, and don't worry too much about choosing a more complicated master early on, in my opinion it just means "easy to learn" masters are extremely easy for you to learn.