The Haro F2 is one of the best entry level bikes out there and because you can only get them at bike shops (at least in the USA) it makes it much more beginner friendly. The bike shop will build it and make sure it is working correctly for you so you aren't stuck with a box of parts.

Since they are sold at bike shops, you aren't stuck with a kid from Wal-Mart inproperly putting the bike together. Though, in all honesty, not all bikes shops are very good at putting bmx bikes together perfectly.

They still do a far better job than a newbie will without the right tools and likely much better than a department store.

Plus, most bike shops give you some level of free service for the first year or so on the bike. So, if something comes loose (it will) then in a month or two, you can take the bike in and they will tighten things up. This is a good time to talk to them about some tools you will need to do some basic maintenance on the bike yourself. Bikes aren't overly complex, but you do need some basic tools to keep a bike running and you MUST keep it tight.

The most common reason a bike falls apart is becuase something will come loose, then you will just go out and keep riding it instead of properly tightening it up. You've got to keep the bike properly tight if you want parts to last.

Yes, there are many parts that could do with some upgrading, but you can pick those up later when you have more money or decide you are going to stick with bmx for a while.

Can you get a better value by purchasing online? In my opinion, at that price point... Not really. Bike shops don't make a ton of money on new bikes they sell, they make most of their profits through labor and upgrade parts. Plus, you would be building the bike up yourself which may not be something you are capable of.