Looking for track recommendations

Hello:

Since my layout was destroyed by an oak tree falling on my house, I get to rebuild. There were some things about the old layout I didn't like so I am embracing the opportunity to rebuild and address those items.

One of the things I didn't like was the mixture of 027 track and Fastrack.  I wasn't happy with Fastrack so I am leaning toward going with O-Gauge. I have a couple of questions:

1. Availability. I do see a lot of used track available but I hate to buy it without touching it first.
2. Has anyone used Menards track?
3. What switches have worked well for you?
4. Is there another direction you would recommend?

Thanks for the input,

Steve