Brandy - I highly recommend picking up an elderly lady (probably find them at a senior citizen complex)....I'm not sure the going rate, but if you keep your eyes open I'm sure you can find a discounted senior.
My grandma taught me to knit - my other grandma taught me to crochet. I still have a handy dandy book with EVERYTHING in it that I keep in my knitting bag - just in case I get confused on terminology (I still think it's silly that English and American terms are sooo different!!!)
I would definitely start with a dishcloth! That way it's useful, small and it doesn't matter if it's not perfect - it's just a stinkin dishcloth!!