Suggestions for a beginner tank

I’m sorry if this is this is an inappropriate post for this sub or one of those common and annoying posts. I recently started browsing here and suddenly have the aquarium bug and want to start my journey of owning and maintaining one. I am looking for some recommendations on a beginner tank set up. I am starting from the basics and have a lot to learn. Some initial questions I have are:

What should I budget for a beginner tank?

Should I do salt or fresh water?

What size tank should I start with?

Can you recommend any fish or critters for an absolute beginner and associated plants or other habitat necessities for them?

Everyone has to start somewhere and I obviously will be doing a great deal of research outside of this post. Just wanted to read the thoughts of this community!

Appreciate any help or recommendations you folks can give me!