I would suggest starting with a -RELEASE version. You can easily keep it up to date using freebsd-update(8). Updating a -STABLE requires you to build from source. While the process is fairly straightforward it does require a bit of know-how and it's quite easy to end up with a broken or unstable system, especially if you're unfamiliar with how the FreeBSD code is managed.I will immediately move to STABLE or RELEASE.
Get your feet wet first on a -RELEASE. Once you've learned how to stay afloat you can have a go at -STABLE.