I agree to visit a shop or several if they are around. Also, don't consider working with a shop that won't let you test shoot some bows.

One thing about a compound that is imperative. If the drawlength isn't right then nothing else about the bow matters. Get this right. To figure just about what you should shoot measure your wingspan and divide it by 2.5. This gets you within 1/2". If it's between a whole number and a half, go on the short side. The rigging will stretch over time to compensate.

Don't overbow yourself. Keep the weight down so you can draw it EASILY. You'll be able to shoot more often, longer, and more accurately.
If buying a single cam bow pay particular attention to how much the bottom cam leans in relation to the limbs. DO NOT buy a single cam bow with cam lean. It can't be straightened out. For more info on this read Letter #5 on www.spot-hogg.com
Buy GOOD accessories (sight, quiver, rest) and decent quality arrows. Quality components can be transferred to your next bow should you upgrade later. I got an opinion based on 30 years experience. Plastic has no business on a bow, especially a sight. Quivers we gotta live with. The others, we got better choices.

Keep your bow choices to quality manufacturers: Martin, Parker, Hoyt, Darton, Kodiak, BowTech. (PSE and Browning are not in this league). The Martin Shadowcat is one that has my interest this year.
I like HHA Optimizer sights, especially the OL 5000 and OL 5500. Worth a look. A second choice would be the Cobra Sidewinder Series.
For a rest and other things? KISS.