Sounds like you have your head on straight, Ive always liked to see people start with a rifle and move to a bow. Just my opinion though.

Well, rifle wise, you have many options. I prefer a .270 or a 30-06. I like both because they can be used for a variety of game. If I had to choose one, it would be the 30-06. There are many types of them out there and the gun can be used for many other things such as elk, bear, etc. Usually you can find a good used one for sale if you check a variety of outdoors stores. Ive bought a used rifle before and has worked perfect.

Treestand wise, I'd pickup a climber. If you don't have any private land, you probably will be going to the public land. A climber lets you move around and you don't have to worry about anyone stealing your stand. If you don't want to spend the cash on a tree stand right away, hunting off the ground is fine to. Put some brush together to break up your outline and you should be fine.

In the beginning, I wouldn't worry to much about scents. Id pick up a bottle of cover scent, but would worry to much about buck lures. Spend some time in the woods and then learn from your experience.

My main advice would be, get you firearm, do a little bit of scouting and try to find some heavily used deer trails and set up there. The more your out in the woods, the more you'll learn. We can give you all the advice you need, but nothing beats experience. Good LucK!!!!