I’m a Ham since 1972. Find a club in your area and attend their meetings. See http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club. A local club usually conducts license tests and some offer classes.
Morse code is not required for any license class, but is still quite popular. Do a search for SKCC and you’ll see.
My first transmitter was built from parts from a TV and put out a massive 8 watts. My first contact was with Mobile, Alabama all the way from Atlanta. Fun times!
There are many facets of the hobby including dozens of digital modes, satellites (search for AMSAT), public safety, fox hunting, etc.
The hobby is like a rabbit hole. You never know where it will lead.
Older radios are cheaper.
Ebay.
Wire antennas (military commo wire) are best and nearly invisible.
Forget ‘lengths’ and the math—get an antenna tuner.
73
When the computers fail, Morse code and a Spark gap generator will roll on