If you decide its worth it monetarily, i'd go for a stihl or a husky. Have used both extensively and are great saws (and went through the s212 wildland saw class a while back). The Stihl MS261 is what I'd get for a high quality saw for cutting smaller trees, bucking firewood, etc. That would be the easy button in terms of buying. They seem to go for ~350 new which is pricey if you just use once but if you ever need for firewood, etc...should last years and years. I'd bet there are some smaller saws that would work pretty darn well also...but I would stick with a good brand.
Additionally...not sure much you have or have not used a chainsaw, but would highly recommend getting chaps and a helmet. Chainsaws will mess you up quick and I've seen lots of folks do some pretty risky stuff that they don't even realize. Chaps and helmet will at least reduce some of the risk but there is no quick "saftey" button w/ chainsaws. Training/instruction is a good thing, even if informal. How big is the tree you are cutting? Dead/live?
If you're new to chainsaws i'd be happy to chat and give you a few things to consider/pointers/etc on both saws and safety. I love using saws and its a blast...just stay safe!
And if you have some cash burning a hole this is an old but good book:
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Timber-Falling-Book-Douglas/dp/B00455VB4A
Oh and one last thought, you may be able to rent (or borrow) a saw for a day for not too much cash.
Corey
Also looks like the course material for that class is available online:
https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/training-courses/s-212/course-materials