[Treemonkey1000]

It sounds like pretty much anything should work for you. Get something with decent enough insulation on the leads so that you don't get zapped testing high voltage AC. I test and repair DMM's here at work. Flukes are nice but spendy. Autorange is best so you aren't fiddling trying to find the range while holding the leads. I like having test leads with pointy ends and some with alligator clips so that you can keep your hands clear. 3.5 digits are typically good enough. If you are like me I keep a couple of cheap ones in different areas so that I don't have to run out to the garage or something to test. Radio Shack and Auto parts Stores have a decent selection for DMM's. For troubleshooting transistors I prefer an old Analog Simpson meter. Having a 10 amp current test might be nice but I haven't used that at all. Circuit protection is ok as well. If it is a cheap meter then toss it and buy another.