Shoulda read closer.
![Duh :duh:](https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/duh.gif)
My $.02, invest in a good pair of boots, if you plan to take up skiing indefinitely. Boots will last a very long time and if you get a really good pair, you'll never need to get another in all likelihood. Get the advices of a saleman who really knows how to pick a good boot for you and target intermediate/advanced even though you are a beginner. Its not like skis, and a good boot helps more than you think.
They should be snug but not painfully tight. They should make you want to lean forward a *tad* to be most comfortable. Once you have a good pair of boots, you can rent skis, buy skis, demo skis, doesn't matter, you'll still have a good day skiing.
I'd also hold off on buying skis until you tried enough different skis and learned enough to start to know what you like. Unless, you get a screaming deal on a good all-around pair. Otherwise, you are more than likely to get a pair that isn't quite right and it slows your progress.
An intermediate/advanced ski is probably the best bet for 90% of skiiers. I think you learn quicker by having a slightly more advanced ski then your current level, but it can't be a huge leap. A hyper sensitive and ultra-stiff ski on a beginner spells a bad day. A too soft ski can be frustrating if you are starting to advance or a bit more aggressive.
Shaped skis are also a whole lot easier to learn on, but then pretty much all modern skis are shaped. My dad first started to learn on straight skis as I did and didn't pick it up quickly, then one day on shaped skis and he was doing blues. (I got my dad to ski).
Used boots require more understanding of what you need in a boot. Deals can be had, but I recommend getting fitted by a good salesmans or two until you realize what you need and then try on some used boots. Don't be tempted by a price on a boot that isn't right for you. Whatever the price, its too expensive if it isn't right!
P.S. I recommend to stick with a boot that has regular strap/buckles in the front of the boot and not some fancy-schmancy rear entry boot. The heal of the boot needs to be really stiff and the front can flex some. The other types of boots are more about convenience then good performance.