re: Any place around BR to take a welding class?

Get a decent Miller mig machine. Always buy a machine that is a little more capable than you you. Relieve you will need it for. Don't be afraid to spend a little bit more it will save you a lot of headache. Also don't discount a used machine that looks to be in fairly good condition

I'd recommend mig over fluxcore if it's just for hobby welding.

Oh and just watch some YouTube videos and practice. You'll be fine. You're not trying to run roots and make X-ray welds out of position.

Good luck and have fun.