6'3".
Having said that, i was about 5 n' a half when i rode a short (1065) 05 Pitbull, Got on alright when i actually ride it
As for 24"s, anything over 1030wb doesn't count, but Inspireds are a good bet as an all-rounder.
Have a look second hand, anything you get will be good to play and learn on, but between 1020 and 1040 wheelbase is probably best if you want to be chucking it around, some of the other 24"s that've been made purely to jump on the bandwagon have some fairly colourful geo's....
Look in the second hand, there's an Ashton Eddie Tongue which i don't think has sold - these literally started the 24" movement years before inspireds were about, really good fun bike (my Leeson is almost identical to an ET in the geometry department and it just feels so right to ride) Fun and well worth the £300 ono the guy was after for it - a little fragile but for a beginner you'd be set. Just keep an eye out and be patient, you'll find something.