I agree nothing beats Pro Tools as far as simplicity. So best bet is go thru few local music stores and ask what software programs they have set up for demo, try out as many as you can, and the last one to demo should be Pro Tools.
So to start off I would go:
- Digi 002 Rack version about $850 don't buy the control surface, waste of money, plus you'll get better sound with mixing in analog the digital.
Or get the older version which is Digi 001 - about $450 US.
- Digi has midi In/Out already so you don't need a separate midi interface.
- Allen & Heath Mixwizard analog mixer they have few versions 12:2, 14:4, 16:2 my favorite is 14:4 because it has 4 busses. These used are about $600 - $800 US on Ebay.
- Now for keyboard there is way too much too choose from, but I would get something wiht good selection of sounds which fits your genre - so put away about $400 a side for that one. Or just buy a cheap $80 keyboard midi controller with no sounds just to use it as controller.
This is most important part where you can't cut any corners at all, which is the speakers & acoustic treatment. Spend the most amount of money on this - which is the essential part of any studio.
You can buy the Allen & Heath mixer and keyboard after you buy the speakers. We also need to know what is the size of the studio, any acoustic treatment in it, how much glass or windows is present .... Then we can suggest appropriate size speakers. Also do you have a small speaker amp at home, or you would prefer to buy active speakers (with build in amps in them).
So to sum up get Digi 002R or 001 & Reason 2.5, I think 002 & Reason come in a bundle some sort, then get some speakers and you can start recording and mixing inside the computer already. After that get a keyboard, and your last investment is an analog mixer with good quality cables.
Cheers