I have an SPS tactical that's the parkerized version, and it's a really accurate rifle. For a starter bolt action, it's pretty darn good, but all you'll read about is how to upgrade it. Play with it in stock form for awhile and see how it does.
The accu-trigger was set *really* light when I got it. I adjusted it to a heavier weight and people still say it's a "hair trigger." No creep, you touch like you mean it and it fires. I like that.
I really like the shorter, fat barrel. Mine's a 223, but I sort of wish I'd gotten the 308. I just figured that once I got an AR15, I'd want two rifles that shoot the same ammo, not having to stock 2 different calibers.
There is something about the 700 having a safety issue. I've read about it, but never had anything happen to mine. Basically, I've read you could put the gun on safety, chamber a round, then turn off the safety and it would fire without pulling the trigger. I've never had that happen to mine, and I suspect they may have fixed whatever was going on - but just something that's out there that you'll undoubtedly read if you dig into the Rem 700.
Also, my parkerized version started to lightly rust even though i put some oil on it - just not enough to soak into the parkerizing, maybe. The park had an orangish color to it in places. It's mostly my fault for not oiling it thoroughly upon getting it. Others have noted how easily the parkerizing version can rust. I recommend giving it a very thorough oiling/maintenance when you get it. The stainless version might not be inclined to rust as much, I don't know.