You from Florida Russ? Welcome to the forum! I'm Dan from Southern California.
My first suggestion to you is go out and get the best saw you can afford. Take it home, take it out of the box and set it up. Get some Flying Dutchman blades and load one in the saw, teeth pointing down and facing you. Apply tension to the blade, and cut some wood! Then come back here and ask all the questions you have. So, come on in and join the fun!