In hopes of not being off-base here, I think the first major question you need to answer is what State do you want do have as your "home base". The answer to that question should be after considering many issues; insurance and tag renewal costs among them, and your choice will decide many of you questions.
All of the recommendations here are good but having gone through many stages of camping/RVing you should also consider the travel lifestyle you're planning to have. We started with a pop-up camper and went to a 22' class C when the kids were young. The C was very versatile (one 5 wk trip was with 5 kids and 3 adults). Then we tried a pull trailer which we didn't like and quickly traded in for a 5th wheel which was the perfect rig at the time because my wife needed a place to stay while our new home was being built because our current residence sold in 3 days and I had to finish a contractual profession in a different State. For staying in one place for more than a few days that rig was the best. It was the most home-like of all of our rigs. We now want to see more of the country and have moved into a diesel pusher and pull an Avalanche 4X4 for exploring and carrying what won't fit in the bays, like our bikes.
Regarding learning how to drive: Many RV dealers offer driving lessons to get you started, but forums and talking to people and attending workshops at rallies can help you avoid the worst lessons experience might bring. My wife felt much better about the possibility she'd have to drive after taking a course at Lazy Days.
Good luck with your search for answers. Always remember that one of the wonderful things about the RV lifestyle is how easy it is to make adjustments and that what ever mode you choose will depreciate. That's why I've always bought used.
