Hi Chuck
In my flying school years, I taught in the B47, H300, Enstrom and R22. All significantly different beasts. I also have done ab initio training in the B206 and that definitely works, if you can afford it.
But from a flying school point of view, there was nothing as reliable as the R22. It always went the distance between 100-hourlies and it was a good classroom too. We made sure our training included the recommendations of the Robinson safety course, and that made the R22 as safe or safer than any of the others types, in my opinion. (Prior to the Robinson safety training, it could be considered a little marginal.)
All the commenters have offered sound advice, and you’ll have to sort through it according to your circumstances. Good luck, from down-under.
Blowie
PS How goes the Cat’ flying, Chuck?