getting started..

just got the luger/gun bug and trying to decide the best way to start? what to get? where to find? etc... should i waste my time on "internet auctions"? being as naive as i am, i'm not sure where to turn or trust. although i have meet 2 great resources and gentleman, tom heller and ralph shuttuck. they have been a great resource. also how much should i look to invest? i'm not really interested in just hangin' it on the wall, i want something i can take out from time to time and shoot and as time goes on pass it on to my son. also, what are your thoughts on the p-38's and c96 brooms?