This is a good tutorial. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-c...ead-first.html
And this forum has a lot of folks with lots of experience, so ask away.

Tower Hobbies is the Big Supplier online. But some real good stuff can also be had at places like HobbyPartz.com. They carry Chinese-made stuff that is really decent and the prices are a lot less. There are only certain things I would buy there, I wouldn't buy vehicles, but if you're looking for motor systems, LiPos and chargers, or radio systems, you can get good stuff for a lot less. For example, you could get that Futaba radio for $69 , or you could get this FlySky Radio with ten car memory, large display, and more adjustments like end-points for even less! (I have that radio and love it) I'd also recommend this charger. Can't beat it for the price. The Gens Ace LiPos are great and decently priced. They are also highly rated by Big Squid in a LiPo shootout. But for now, NiMhs are probably your speed.