Hi DJ,
Saw your post. Good questions. I'm a noob too. I've done quite a bit of reading though so I'm getting up on the theory. Problem I'm having is actually finding stuff.
But the guys here have given me some good advice.
Check out the Australian magazines for adds and suppliers of Scopes in OZ.
Australian Sky and Telescope(don't get the US version, US adds) and Sky and Space.
There some good reading on the start of this forums beginners page.
If you don't plan of photography go for a dobsonian. I'm not fussed about aligning the EQ mount but the eyepiece can end up in strange positions which is a bit uncomfortable.