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Wneighbor :" Was informed while we were there that he’s decided he would be okay with me getting some bees! No bees yet, but that’s the best news I got of the weekend :).."

Consider contacting "Redleg Duke" on this forum to see about start up costs, solving problems, and beginning beekeeping.
Spring is the ideal time to get started, buy Nukes, and/or capture a wild hive.
Winter is the best season to buy, build, or repair hive bodies, landing boards, and build frames for the commonly used Langstroth method (removable, non-destructive, honey extraction) system.
I just saw that you have already done your homework with local beekeepers; they are the best resources for scheduling beekeeping activities, and can help with "group buying".

Barb and I did a lot of web searching, but we located the local Bee Keepers Association. They offered a “Bee School” for about five weeks last late winter. It is a good starting point.

Also, find a local source for supplies. Sit down with him/her and find out the prices for equipment. You will need the following for starters:

Base Board with Pest Excluder (One per hive)
Brooder Box (Recommend Medium Size) (With Plastic Frames)- Three per Hive
Queen Excluder - (One Per Hive)
Honey Super (Two recommended with frames)
Internal Top - (One Per Hive)
External Top - (One Per Hive)

Tools
Liquid Smoke (Beats the traditional smoker)
Hive Tool
Block of Bees Wax to prime hive frames

Note that the Booder box frame (Recommend Plastic)are usually black and the Honey Super are white.

Also, you should invest in an electric fence and charger to protect the hive(s) from predators, such as bears, racoons, local kids, etc.

That is a start. You can order online, but buying from a local source usually can allow you a good “coach”.