buy the best protection you can afford. Lungs are very expensive. You can go hooded unit or full face unit. 3m makes good one. Just make sure proper fit and change cartridges.
Buy use when you can and save a ton of money. Put that saved money in nice money market account at 5% nowadays. Enjoy the field. You will find what works and doesn't for you real quick. Get comfortable shoes and clothes. Good eye and ear protection. Learn from the old school mechanics. They can...