I wouldn’t spent too much on a ham transceiver seeing that you don’t have a license. A shortwave radio with SSB might serve your purposes better right now and they can be relatively inexpensive.
Getting your Technician license is relatively easy, I did it so it can’t be too hard. There are two great resources on the internet, HamStudy and HamExam dot org. You can take practice tests. I am currently studying for Extra class license and have a Gorden West book. What I do is go through and cross out all the wrong answers so that each time I look at the question I see the correct answer.
Once you get your ticket then take a look at transceivers.
Just looked at the price of the IC-7300; too rich for my blood right now.
Any recommendations on a shortwave?
Yes, I thought that I made that clear. Thanks for the reply.