So many options for you. To be honest check out the demo’s of Traktor, Serato Itch or Virtual DJ (free downloads from their websites) and just play on your laptop to see which one sits best with your workflow. To be honest none of them are particularly difficult to set up or use the basic functions of. Reading a few manuals and watching a few youtube vids will answer most of your questions then just practice.
Vestax make a few nice controllers that are high quality, durable and well designed and will probably have a more “respected” view amongst some DJs but there are tonnes of other brands and really you shouldn’t let that concern you. Buy what works for you and let your mixing do the talking.