Are you interested in video as well? Or strictly imaging? If your focus is strictly photo, hop on craigslist or something and get a used camera because you will outgrow entry level cameras pretty quickly if you're hungry. D5000, D40, Rebel t1/2i, XSi, etc. will serve you for about a year before you get tired of them as a photographer and are looking to upgrade. Its sort of likee motorcycles... Some people feel it's vital to learn on a 250cc, while others feel like it's better to learn on what you're going to be riding.
A good body + great glass will take care of you for a LONG time. The better the body, the more control and better imaging sensor you typically get. Also, the better the body build (weatherproofing, etc.).
My advice? Get a 7D or D300 kit and a 50mm 1.8 ($90.00 or so). The kit 28-135 isn't a bad lens (Canon) beyond its speed. The addition of the 50mm will give you the aperture you're probably craving, and any other lens you can check out at www.lensrentals.com before you purchase. Anywho before this turns into me yackin about a buncha shit u don't care about, DM me if you got anymore questions.