My second year beekeeping opinion: If you live in the south, I wouldn't be afraid to start with packages. If you live in the north, nucs are the way to go. That is, if you are buying nucs split from overwintered hives in your area. If I ever buy packages from the south or CA again, I will re-queen with queens from my area. Swarms are also a great way. If they were strong enough to swarm then they obviously came out of winter in good shape. My package hive from last year only made it to Feb., but my swarm hive is so strong that I might split it twice.
You are clearly at an advantage. You found this forum before you bought anything. Keep reading and asking questions and the good people from this forum will guide through it all.
Good luck!
By the way, fill in where you are located. It helps everyone help you by knowing where you are.