I don't Play Guild, so I can't give you any advice regarding models.
But I would think about dropping the Rulebook and getting the free PDF-Rules ( http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/133323/Malifaux--RULES-ONLY-Handbook--2E?term=malifaux+rule&test_epoch=0 ) for a start, and using the money to instead buy the general upgrade deck mentioned by Adran or more miniatures for your starting pool.
This way you'll be missing out on the fluff provided in the full Rulebook, but you can always purchase the full Rulebook later on, if you want.
Until then you might want to look into the Breachside Podcast ( http://www.breachsidebroadcast.com/page/7 ) and/or the Wyrd Chronicles as sources for fluff ( http://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=wyrd+chronicles&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=&x=0&y=0 ), both also free.