Thanks everyone for welcoming me aboard!
I realize that this is going to take some time and be a never ending process as i'm sure there will be something new to learn everyday. I imagine the best way to gain knowledge is the old fashioned way from hands on experience.
Are the pistols that are for sale in the classified section discussed here on the forum? It seems there are a few that would fit the bill as a starter for a newbie like me to use as a shooter and learn to disassemble, clean, study, etc.