Howdy William, Well i have a paasche airbrush, a badger and even a testors. The testors being the least expensive and probably the one I use the most due to the simplicity of cleaning. Once you get accustomed to airbrushes, one pretty much does everything the others do (atleast in my opinion). So I really cant tell you which is "best", if you are looking for high quality and a long term investment, go with something like the paasche, badger or Iwata airbrushes, if you are looking for simplicity and low cost, testors are still quality airbrushes.
I guess what i am saying is that "the airbrush doesnt really "create", its the modeller that is the creative part of the airbrush/modeller combination. And actually I use spray paint more often than I use my airbrushes (free-hand usually, although I do take advantage of masking at times).
As for using your dewalt compressor, yes you can use that, but be sure to regulate the PSI to the airbrush mfg. reccomendations. At one time I was filling a 20 gallon air tank with a portable electric tire inflator and using it for an air supply. So anything is possible, like I said, you are the creative aspect when it comes to airbrushes and compressors. (I have even heard of ppl using inner tubes filled with air for an air supply for an airbrush).
i know this wasnt alot of help, but maybe others will comment and give you some more ideas.
have a good day and merry christmas,
GREG aka GEEDUBBYA (GW)