The first thing you'll need is a bit of self-reliance and initiative. Black & White World (the site of which this forum is a part) has an article on the front page which answers your question: http://www.photogs.com/bwworld/index.html(posted 8887 days ago)See also www.darkroomsource.com, and don't forget your local public library.
Best way to learn is do a course (i.e use someone elses equipment first), they you'll know better what kind of gear you like.