> What is a good solid chip that is cheap (comparable to the atmel chips) that will work for me.

This depends on the number of I/O's you need...

For up to 16 I/O's the cheap 16F628A is a good choice. (a) You don't need an xtal (unless you're doing async comms) because it works from it's own internal oscillator, and (b) it handles MCLR internally for you too. So all you need is a program, some volts and it works!

I'll go with skimask's recommendation... forget any and all training courses. Equip yourself with a good programmer, latest version of PBP, a handfull of PICs, the Datasheets are free, a breadboard, good PSU, LCD with flying leads on it, and you're in business.

If you don't know how to do something, then cobble together a little test program to display the result on the LCD. You'll learn more that way than any course.