Where to start??? How best to spend $$$?

[RhacHead]

Good advice about the lenses vs camera investment. How interchangeable are the lenses? Can you mix brands?

Most Lenses are brand specific however some 3rd party such as Tamron make lenses that you can add a mount allowing the lense to be fitted on opposing brands.

Also keep in mind sometimes used cameras and lenses are the way to go. I couldnt tell you how many great deals I've found on Craigslist. My advice to you would be to bring a friend who knows a little something about Cameras if you purchase from an individual.