If you can find a local ham radio club they usually have classes and testing sessions.
As to a radio it depends on what class of license you get. If technician class you would need 2 meter and 70 centimeter capability as there is limited HF privileges. If you get a general class you would want HF capability.
My choice for HF is Icom 7300 and for 2 meter and 70 centimeter is Anytone 878 that has regular and DMR capability as there are lots of DMR repeaters in my area. That may differ where you are. Check to see what digital repeaters are in your area DMR, DStar or Fusion and make you decision accordingly.
73 W5HJ been a ham for 60 years.
Been a licensed ham for seven or so years. Five as a tech then took the test for General. Ham articles on Freerepublc are rare and apparently no one maintains a ham ping list that I’m aware of. But, I just may not be aware.
So, is there a ham ping list???
...and speaking of hobbies, I have enough expensive ones already which is why I have yet to make the radio leap other than a two meter Baofeng. Working on an outdoor antenna so I don’t communicate much due to HT rubber duck limitations.