Go on Ebay and look for a 65W Flourex Floodlight. Its made by Lights of America. I bought 2 and had them delivered for $50. This light is a CFL light that produces 4550 usable lumens and VERY little heat. 1 is enough light to grow yourself 2 plants through flowering if you keep them less than 3 feet tall by harvest. It will illuminate a space approx. 1'x2' or 2'x3' very well. This is a MINIMUM recommendation for you to get the super cheap, super simple start i think youre looking for. Best advice i can give is keep things simple and constant. Light, Air, Water, Growing Medium. Each is equally as important as the next. After that you can worry about maximizing yeild and so forth. Just grow SOMETHING the first time around and go upward from there. Hope this helps. Sorry i got a little wordy.
Also... look for the post earlier today or yesterday on here about Jorge Cervantes Grow DVD on YouTube. (10) - 10 minute videos that takes you from begining to end. Invaluable information!!!