Best snowboard for beginner/intermediate?

i go snowboard maybe 2-4 times a year. i started 3 years ago so i think i'm somewhere between a beginner/ intermediate. what would be the best board for a beginner without wasting too much money. a burton would be nice but honestly anything better than a rental board will do justice. i'm looking for a freestyle board... my height is 5' 6' and i was recommended 149'. the-house.com looks like i can get some decent stuff. what brand(and even better a specific model) would best suit me? i'm planning on spending... maybe 500 at max?