Iksar is a great race for any of the classes they can be.
The starting zone, Field of Bone, is very well designed and you can grind in Kurn's until 20 or so. Just don't kill any of the badger-looking mobs and you won't be KoS by them in Kurn's and can freely walk by them as you seek to kill more undead.
Save your bone chips and sell them to players. Always kill skeletons carrying weapons, they will sell for decent monies at your home town.
I'd recommend Iksar monk or necro. I think both classes are good for new players as they can be effective without much gear. A necro can go 1-60 solo naked....and really all a monk needs is a couple of Master Wu's Trance Sticks and some cheap Wu's armor and HP rings / ears / etc. Can be ballin' on a budget for like 2k.
Group with people, ask for advice....heck you might run into a twink or two piloted by a very experienced / wealthy player and get a nice boost. Make friends!
edit: don't be afraid to use the wiki....I've been playing here for years and still keep it open almost always
https://wiki.project1999.com/Main_Page