I would start off with going to your lfs. GET A LIST of what he suggests, and bring that list back here to discuss.
Most everything can be had for less then the lfs, but keep in mind, that the cheaper stuff will be used, and yuo will have some things not work for you and some things that will. you may end up spendig the same amuont, but it will take yuo longer to get there, but you will learn a heck of a lot more during the experience...
You can find many bargains online.
And you will find many discussions, pro and con on may subjects...
Ultimately it will be you , your budget, and your knowledge / and patience that will excersized in this hobby...
you will make mistakes, yuo will read about others mistakes.
Learning is the only thing you can control... Will you learn quickly or slowly, that is up to you...
Your original question is a good one, but is subjective, i.e. what is hard for some maybe easy for others...
But I believe, like most things you have learned probably, at first they were difficult, maybe to the point of overwhelming, but after a while, they are now automatic.
I suggest you look at why you want to be in this hobby, and what you are willing to do, and learn to make it successful. Hopefully somewhere in that equation, is for the benefit of coral and sea life in general..
With that earnest reflection, you will know what you want. And I am confident you wwill find sufficient support here to help you get up to speed in the least amount of time, (basically irony there cause it takes time, i.e. a good initial 'cycling' will take no less then one month, and I suggest two months before you put anything (fish or coral) into your tank...
Think of growing a trees, except slower..
Good luck, and lets see that list of what your lfs is thinking of, and maybe you are thinking of also...
Bill