What is the best current Lego set for MOCs?

chuxtoybox

After seeing numerous outrageously creative MOCs, I want to get into this aspect of the hobby more deeply but I just can't get myself to rip apart my Lego sets. So, if you were to buy one set with the intent of sorting all of the components to start MOCs, which would you choose? There are some stipulations. First, the build I want to do is a "village" in the time period of POTC, so I'm thinking I'm going to need primarily brown, grey and black components. And I want to make trees and plants. Second, it has to cost two hundred U.S. dollars or less. Third, all I have near me is Wal Mart so I would like to be able to just walk into Wal Mart to buy it. Obviously this would only be a starting point but you have to start somewhere. I will appreciate any useful feedback and also any other advice on how to get started in general. Thanx. :} (P.S. I hope no one is insulted that I called Lego a hobby.)

ColoradoBricks

A perfect set would have been #10193, it retired a couple months ago, but you can still find reasonably priced online. For sets currently available at walmart, #5766 might be one and may be some of the new castle/kingdoms sets to be released in August.

meyerc13

You might check your local Barnes and Noble. I've seen some Pirates of the Caribbean and Kingdoms sets still hanging around in some of their stores. If you are a member, your 10% discount will work on LEGO in store. They also send out frequent 20% coupons (one last week, one this week, but usually every 6-8 weeks) that stack with the discount.

Another great option right now are the Lord of the Rings sets, should be able to find them at Wal Mart, Target, etc. Some of the Monster Fighters sets wouldn't be bad (Castle, Frankenstein's lab), and Wal Mart has those on clearance right now.