I didn't get the Makita high end models. I started with a combo I saw on Amazon for a reasonable price that came with the 18v batteries and circular saw, impact hammer drill, and impact driver. I knew they weren't brushless, but it wasn't a big deal. I'm not a contractor and am not planning on using them all the time.

I've since added a blower and hedge trimmer which all run on the Makita LXT battery line. Nice tools.

My favorite though is a 12v Bosch drill/driver set I got off Amazon for $84. Small but still really powerful. I find I use the 12v most often, only pull out the Makita 18v when I need something heavy duty or with higher torque. In fact the Makita can have too much torque for what I normally need. For DIY or jobs around the house, the Bosch is perfect because it's small and light and can get into hard to reach places. There's enough power in the driver to drive 3 inch lagbolts into a 2x4".

When I started wanting to get some tools (I needed to rebuild a gate for our fence), I just went on Slickdeals and started looking for decent brands.

Here is a Makita deal, similar deal to what I used to get started


And here's the Bosch. Love the Bosch. I found these for $80 to $85 on sale through Slickdeals. Currently $99 on Amazon.