This is by far the most popular storage solution...at least for the folks at Battleground. I keep my collection in this and it all (currently) fits...I have multiples of each wave thought I do not carry the epic ships with me.
http://www.amazon.com/Plano-1374-Rack-System-Tackle/dp/B000E3FKTO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1431432975&sr=8-3&keywords=plano+3700As for what to get...
2 Starters Sets is always a good start. Gives you plenty of Dice and templates, an will you net you 2 X-Wings and 4 TIE Fighters.
Then just go down each wave and grab one of each (or more) depending on how many points you are looking to play. 100 is the norm (more for larger games) and some people buy enough of each ship that they could play with just that ship in 100 points (perhaps a 4 x-Wing list or a 7 TIE swarm list).
Remember that you get an X-Wing with the Rebel Transport and you'll get a TIE advanced with the Raider (when it is finally released).
Everything else is up to you...I thought I would want to get multiples of certain ships but have not really needed to. 1 Falcon, 1 E-Wing, 1 Lambda, 1 YT-2400, 1 Decimatoe, 1 Defender... those have been all I needed for those ships. A lot of ships I have not even flown yet...TIE bombers and advanced, A-Wings, HWK-290, Starviper...
A word about upgrade cards. If you want at least one of every upgrade card you will certainly want at least one of every ship. Some cards only come with one ship. For instance, currently only the Falcon comes with Engine Upgrade (x2)...a very useful card in some builds.
Come by the store..Thursdays in Plainville, Tuesdays in Abington...grab a demo game and ask questions. X-Wing players loves talking about X-Wing.