Hi ChiefT, well that's a tough question to answer truthfully. What is best for some may be frowned upon by others. There are members on this forum who hand lay the whole track, building turnouts and all. Then there are some like myself who use flextrack and manufactured turnouts. Also there are some members who can paint a weather any kind of track and make it look real. There is a lot of good commercial track available from different manufacturers. The quality and looks of that track has a definite impact on the price you will have to pay
The most economical way to pursue this hobby, in my opinion, is to have a plan and follow it, buy the material that you need for each phase before you start it. ( I didn't do that and I know I have surplus stuff, but at this point I have no idea of what I should get rid of.)
Do you know how big your layout will be? Do you have a track plan at this time? If you can tell us a bit more about your plans and requirements you should be able to get the all the help that you need right here just for the asking.
Cheers Willis