Entry level road or tri bike recommendations?

I'll start off with what everyone will tell you.  Make sure the bike fits you first before you buy it.  The shop should move the seat around for you and adjust the bars before you test ride it.  If the bike don't fit, it ain't worth....poop.

As for the wanna be part.  We're all wanna bees.  I wanna be faster, I wanna be stronger...  You'll see that you blow by people on a inexpensive bikes as often as you blow by people on $5K bikes.  The great thing about this sport is that there is not a lot of judging going on.   Buy what you want, be it the super delux tricked out pro model or the walmart special.  As long as your happy who cares.

Being new and going from a hybrid to a tri-bike is a big jump.  The position and handling will take some getting used to, no matter how good your fit.  I would honestly consider a road bike and add clip-on's at some point.  Time in the saddle is the most important thing starting out, so make sure you feel comfortable and safe before you buy. 

I am in the same boat as you, new to the sport, 1 sprint down 2 more to go through October.  I used my MTB w/ clip on aero's for the race and got passed by people, but I also passed others on much nicer, speedier and way more expensive bikes than mine, felt great!  After having numerous discussions with veteran athletes, bike shop personell and my own research, I opted for a road bike over a tri.  Did the wanabe concern enter my mind? absolutely, but the cost and versitality played a factor as well.  I was planning to wait out this season on my MTB, but once I get something in my head there is no stopping me.  That and I found a used 09 Trek 2.3 for a steal that I'm picking up tonight and I won a pair of Shimano TR-51 shoes in a raffle at the NYC Tri!  Can't wait. 

This sport is getting quite expensive for me!

Good luck with your decision!