Yep, I just got into it a year and a half ago. I started with a remington versa max semi, my hunting gun which was fine to learn on, then briefly made the mistake of buying a browning 725 skeet which was all wrong because I didn't really have a good idea of what I needed in an O/U, and now I shoot a Kolar.
If you have the bug bad, I think going with something cheaper(not less effective) at first and spending the money you would have spent on a more expensive gun on shells and practice rounds would be the way to go. During this learning period you want to make friends with as many shooters as you can and try their guns to see what works best for you in real life before throwing down big double gun money.
Unless of course you want to be set up for 4 gun for the upcoming season in which case you will want a tubed gun right away.
Paul Giambrone's videos are very good, whats even better is to actually go and take a class from him. I think he goes to Ontario a few times a year. Once again, a decent semi with an adjustable stock, $1000 of ammo and a Giambrone clinic will all come in around the same or lower than a new beretta or browning.
You live in a perfect area to find a nice club. Lots to choose from around you.
