Unfortunately, your profile doesn't mention where you're from (just says "United States"). Knowing what region of the country you're from would help, although I think you should be able to get started no matter where you were from. Personally, I get my queens from wild swarms (risky in Southern California, I know) so I need to start a hive in spring, when the bees naturally swarm (one thing we've found is that swarme that show up later in the year have a much higher probability of being africanized).
You'll need several items to get started (a box, supers, frames, clothing, and of course a source of bees and a queen), but once you have these (and you've got your courage firmly in place), you should be set to go.
Perhaps your friend with bees could help you get started? That's how it usually works around here---beekeeping neighbors helping each other.

By all means go for it if you can get some bees. If you decide to go the trad 10 frame hive route, You can get by with a single deep box to start and get your other hive bodies and supers set while the queen is filling the first one with brood.