sudomod

newbie here, what kind of soldering iron would you all recommend?

Depends on your needs. If you're going to use it a few times for your build then a regular Radio shack style no temperature control pencil soldering iron should be ok. If you have other electronics hobbies like quadcopters or ham radio then you might want to spend a bit more and get one with temperature control. I have a Aoyue one that works pretty good, decent build quality, was a good price and takes the same replacement tips as a Hakko. If you're looking to get into electronics professionally/like to have the highest quality tools/have lots of money than get a Hakko or Weller

In any case read this tutorial, practice your soldering on some broken electronics or an ebay kit first before you start building your GBZ.

I have a HAKKO N454 that I've been using for a couple of years. Even as a hobbiest, I've never had issues with it.

T12 soldering station or 898D+ for hot air and iron in one