Nice start Ken
Don't listen too much to people who want you to make 10 or 20 minute exposures.
It all depends on the object and the light pollution you are working with.
I would not think about making a picture of Omega Centauri of 20 Minutes (unless you want a nice light bulb
).
Very dim objects can do with long exposures but when stars get saturated you can't get the color back in them.
Then you have M42 where you have to do multiple short exposures and some longer exposures, after that you be better of to get HA to get the dim surroundings.
So all in all it depends on what you are imaging,your mount,light pollution etc.
And since you just start out you better have fun first and some pictures you can show people instead of having the stress to to be perfect.
Just my 2 cents worth.