http://www.okbees.org/i would start here. see if there are any classes in your area. look for a beekeeping supply store in your area. they often have classes.
you need to order packages or nucs now if that is the way you are going to go. i would suggest that you order two so that you can have two hives going. this gives you a way to support a weaker hive and lets you compare the behavior of two hives.
your start up supplies will not be a huge expense. if you buy just essentials, you'll probably be spending around 300 dollars.
i'll give you a list off the top of my head, and others will add what i forget :-)
2 deep or 3 medium supers per hive.
frames
foundation. cost can be reduces by using foundation in strips, called starter strips (cut your own).
bottom boards for each. i prefer screened
tops for each. migratory are cheaper.
inner covers are optional, but nice if you are going to jar feed on the hive. you can reduce cost by skipping inner covers and feeding another way.
smoker
hive tool, or equivalent.
gloves
jacket with veil. some prefer full suit. mann lake had the cheapest and nicest last i looked.
other things, like entrance reducers, you can pick up later or make.
i'm sure i forgot something....!
some of the terms you can search for on this site. also, go to a beekeeping supply site online and look at pictures. have a good idea of what you want and don't want before you shop, or you'll end up with stuff you don't need.