Hi Chuck welcome to Talkbass!
I have had a couple of Ibanez BTB basses and if you're ok with the closer string spacing (I believe it's 16mm on that particular model) they are usually a very safe bet.
The BTBs do have a tendency to be heavy though and the pickups and active circuit can sound a bit 'generic' and 'sterile' -at least to my ears. I'm sure there are many other choices at this price point too to check out.
As for a 6 string bass, it all depends on what you intend to do with it! I myself have even been up to a 7 string bass -but now only play 4s and an occasional 5. Despite giving you more notes in any one hand position, technically, each string added to a 4 string bass only adds in practice 5 extra notes and unless you intend to play in those extreme ranges why not just move your left hand position around a little more rather than suffer a heavier and wider instrument?
If you're intending to play in a band playing top 40 numbers it could also be argued why would you be soloing in the higher 'guitar registers' anyway -and who will be covering the low notes when you do? -so maybe a 5 string would be more practical... However, the world would be terribly sad if everyone approached bass in the same, practical way and there really are no rules in music. Life is too short to not experience new things...maybe you will find the extended range inspiring and a source of creativity.
Anyway, welcome once again.
