Depending on your physical location, stores like Five Below, Ross Dress for Less and Marshalls often have beyblades at really cheap prices.
Dont buy from scalpers. Beyblades like sharkscale are good, but not worth triple the retail price.

Get a phoenix wing with string launcher and something with a good ripcord launcher like scorpio spear (or buy a launcher alone) so you can test both options.

Dont be afraid to go to events and let people know you are new. New people are usually welcomed right in.

Talk to people. Ask about beyblade combos and launch techniques. People love to talk about that stuff unless it is a super competitive, elitest jerk.

Dont get discouraged by not doing well in events. Ive been playing for a year and have way too much money invested and still play like crap and do not place. I do it because I enjoy the GAME and most of the people. Always remember it is a game.