HI Gene and welcome.
It would be better to start with an established hive but if you can find someone to mentor you your idea of starting with a swarm would work. The county extension office can not only give you information on beekeeping, they will also know who may be selling their hives and who would be willing to menor you through it if they don't have someone there who does that kind of work. Check your library for books, if they don't have them they will get them in for you.
Hi Jamie hope you enjoyed reading the articles you missed.
