I would begin in SCA light combat 'single swording'- that is, only using one long blade to begin with, and nothing in your off-hand. Then, when you get proficient enough to hold your own and to feel competent doing so, you can start to complicate things with a dagger/buckler/cloak/whatever.
Before you go out and invest in a schlager (which probably is your best option to begin with, as SCA light combat swords have to have a certain amount of 'bend' to be 'legal'), it's a good idea to make a fibreglass sword to practice with.
Usually, though, the local group will have sufficient swords and such for people to practice with. So I would not worry about being equipped when you show up for the first time.
There's 'recipes' aplenty on the Internet, or alternatively, someone in your local group is sure to be able to show/tell you how to make one.
The first consideration in SCA combat is safety. It might be slightly different in your kingdom, but to practice light combat over here you need to be wearing 4 layers of clothing, and a gorget with a leather bib to protect the Adam's Apple. Also, any weapons you use have to be 'capped' with several layers of tape, and shouldn't be too pointed to begin with. For tourneys, gloves are also required.
But like I say, the rules may be different in your kingdom, so check with the Marshal of the local group on what you'll need exactly.
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