How about searching things up on youtube? How to play tennis. Haha. I think that's more reasonable than lessons.
And usta tournaments aren't really all that. I think that it costs a LOT of money so I don't join often. But look around your area. See if they have any round robin "tournaments" hosted by the clubs, etc. In Burbank Tennis Center and the Arroyo Seco Racket Club, you can pay around 5 to 10 dollars to play some matches. Many good people show up too.
About the rackets and stringing, if you're a beginner, I don't think that you should be spending much on racket frames and stuff like that. Maybe a racket or two every two-three years?