Don't be anal about it. Get a good record brush so you can clean off the worst of it before dropping the stylus. Buy used. Dump the stuff you don't particularly like. Enjoy listening to the music; if you like listening to the gear more than listening to the music, you're headed the wrong direction. Have fun and don't get too serious about it.
I have to say now after going back and reading your thread that I think the above is the most sensible post. Start simply by getting just a good brush - I used a disc washer (wood oval cylinder with a wide brush) for 45 years with great results and no damage - wet or dry and you’ll be just fine. You can get into all grades of record cleaners down the road if you want to but it’s not really necessary to get started.
Vinyl sounds so good. I can listen to records all day or forever but cannot say that about digital. Congratulations and thanks for posting.
Hey, why don’t you join us on the what’s on your turntable tonight thread and get not only ideas for new and old records but comments on what issues are worthwhile record purchases.