Welcome,
Sounds like you did some research and are on the right path,
I would recommend what you stated,
Start with small game,
If you didn't get your license/permits yet,
Can still spend time hiking the woods you plan on hunting, learning your way around and learning patterns of the animals.
Even if just hiking, I reccomend wearing orange during hunting season, and stick close to the trails.

For first gun, 20ga is probably most versatile,
Can be used for small game, turkey and deer,
As you get additional firearms can get ones more suited for specific type of hunting you will be doing.
You can go out and learn on your own.
But if you let others know you plan on hunting.
Going out with an experienced hunter can teach you things quickly that may otherwise take you years to figure out on your own.