Definitely research, that is a huge and long investment. Cockatoos require a ton of attention and can start plucking if they are too stressed. African grays are more of one person birds. All of them are really great if you are a bird person though. I'm really jealous. Check out amazons too. I've worked with pretty much every kind of bird and the amazons are by far my favorite. Look at this one: http://www.flixxy.com/bird-opera-singer.htm

Good luck!