+1 on the cobs.
And +1 on the noob pipe tobacco trade. It is great.

Coming from cigars, you might want to try something like:
Mac Baren Old Dark Fired.
Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky

I'm not against starting with aromatics, though. That is where many of us started.
Look at the McClelland bulk aromatics. Sutliff has some I've enjoyed. Hearth & Home has some good ones.
Check out Pipesandcigars.com for good prices. A lot of pipe tobaccos can be purchased in "bulk," so you can try out just an ounce.
Check out what others think of a certain tobacco at tobaccoreviews.com.

Maybe avoid flakes to start with; they can be fiddly.