I dont think Les Pauls are the kind of guitars that you find a beginner one. Les Pauls are the kind of guitars where you spend $3000 but get a truly amazing look and sound...that is my idea of what a Les Paul is. Right now this is my aim for a guitar: http://www.gibson.com/products/gibson/lespaul/lpsu.html
It costs $2,800 on musician's friend...im hoping ill be able to buy this sometime soon...