Check out the local Beekeeper club. Your county should have one. You can look on the website at
https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/. They may have classes starting soon. Our club (Stanly County) starts our beginning classes in January each year.
AS for cost, It's like any other hobby. You can spend as much or as little as you want to. Best bet is to go to the supply store in your area and get to know them real good. Not sure where you live, but I think there is a bigger supply house up your way. Check out Brushy Mountain Bee Supply . They are in N Wilksboro, NC . Good people and a huge showroom. There is a good supplier in Albemarle that is a super great guy that is very knowledgeable. Try to avoid used or old equipment if you are starting out. You will learn about pests and disease later. If you are a woodworker, you can make most of your hive wooden ware, but some parts are better to buy, Just keep standard size, so it is all interchangeable.
Not knowing your age or physical abilities, now is the best time to decide on 10 frame or 8 frame equipment.
Brushy Mtn has their deluxe bee-ginners kits for $375, hive, suit, tools, all you need to get started.
Bees in this area are around$125 for packages to $150 or so for 5 frame nucs. If you are serious about starting, you need to order bees from someone soon.
Lots to digest, but that's it in a nutshell.
Happy beekeeping, Doug