I'd suggest getting a copy of Lyman's 3rd Edition Cast Bullet Handbook (f you can find one). I believe it's much better than the 4th, especially for a new caster (unless you're into Black Powder Cartridge Shooting, then get the 4th).

I started casting with a 2 qt. stainless steel pot, a Coleman stove (propane), a Lee .44 cal., 2 cavity mold, a Lee dipper, and a couple used large spoons. I had access to wheel weights and used sawdust from my power saw for flux. I cast and shot a whole lot of .44 cal. bullets in my 629 and Blackhawk, for over 7 months, then I got a Lee 20 lb. bottom pour pot. The only "problem" with this set-up (Coleman stove) is controling temperature, a little more difficult with a propane stove, but I did make many, many good, shootable bullets...