You get what you pay for. Always buy equipment you won't have to upgrade later. And with that said. Just start making some batches so you get a feel for what techniques affect the outcome. It would be wise to make a couple of very similar low gravity beers to start with. Everybody gets anxious and starts making crazy beers. If that's what you need to do to stay interested, then go ahead; however, you will be much more pleased with your results if you keep it simple and repeatable from the start.