PRnorthsider, you seem like a smart enough individual and can take criticism well.

My advice to you is go ahead and by the 4-door teg since it's what you really want and life is too short not to do what you want. I think it would be a great 1st car to own, good on gas, and has the famous Honda reliability. You'll have 4 doors for practical use, it might actually save you a couple bucks on insurance, and it will be less likely to get stolen imo.

If you feel the racing/modding itch, I would make your first mod a set of good tires and join an auto cross event, while at the same time browsing forums dedicated to your car and reading/gaining knowledge on things to do to your car.