get this book first
Amazon.com: Royce's Sailing Illustrated, Vol. 1: Tall Ship Edition (9780911284089): Patrick M. Royce: Books
I would rent or borrow a few different boats while learning before buying
many JR collages to full uni's have sailing programs
an other idea is radio controled model boats to learn on
hobiecats are not a eazy boat to learn on
fun fast and well built just not a first boat
sunfish are everywhere simple cheap to buy and own
and car topable or pickup bed and store eazy
the best little boat to learn on ever
and you can rent one anywhere
or buy used cheap and resell
then an daysailor like an oday
something 14 to 16ft and not a all out racer
again rent or buy used
then a cabin boat or fast cat
and you will have a better idea what you want/need