RE: Starting an engine.
Joshua,
What the others have told you should be followed. Definitely get an instructor before you do anything. There is a lot more to the hobby than just flying. Number 1 is safety. There are a lot of things you need to know before you even think about starting the engine. Do you know what fuel to use? Has the engine been brolen in? Have your surfaces been checked for proper deflection? The preflight process should take several minutes, but you need to know what to look for. An instructor will not only teach you to fly but how to be safe on the ground before you fly. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get an instructor. Not only for your safety but for the safety of others.