It's so difficult when you start to evaluate birds. As a newcomer, it is natural to concentrate on the obvious things -- the color, the comb, the beak, the feet, etc. Those are the "finishing details." They can't be ignored, but the basic structure of the bird is what is most important. If you look at your bird, it is primarily an upright bird. He is more vertical than horizontal. If you look at the picture of the ideal Leghorn, it is more of a horizontal bird. The back is horizontal, the wings are held horizontal, the tail extends back in a graceful arch, not jetting straight up at the base. If you're "building a bird," those details are like "framing a house." You can't put up the frame for a Tudor style house and end up with a Ranch style. It doesn't matter what kind of siding or doors or windows or paint you put on it. If you have a Tudor frame, you won't end up with a Ranch house. It's the same with birds. You've got to have the right frame first, then work on the finishing features.
I would recommend you start this project by learning as much as you can, read the first few chapters of the SOP (not just the individual breed descriptions), go to a few shows, take a lot of pictures of show winners, talk to the owners of the birds, make some new friends. Eventually you'll find the right person to sell you some good quality birds, and to mentor you when you have questions. Quality birds are definitely worth the investment, and make the hobby much more fun. Starting with a rooster that is so far away from the SOP will be quite disappointing and frustrating for your girls.
