Hi Anthony,
We all start from somewhere. All i can say is shoot shoot and shoot. Practice makes perfect.
As for lighting gear i just bought myself a MASSIVE 48"&24" Studio Cube Photo Light Tent & LIGHTING
Hope this works and i will let you know. I started off with bedside lamps and coloured laminated craftwood. So this new tent and lighting will be unbelievable.

As for camera i started with a small digital and worked my way upwards. Best buy was my canon Eos300D. Then i got 20D and the other week got my new toy the Canon5D. As i get work it pays off what i buy and upgrade to.

Takecare
Chris