LMMS is a free, open source DAW with a user manual provided
docs.lmms.io
lmms is legit, i've been trying to get into music making too and it's got everything you need in a daw. eventually i'll move on to something paid (thinking cubase), but thats way later and lmms is good for most of everything you'll want to do. it's a little clunky in the ui department, but functionality is good. learn a little bit about vst plugins and how they work, lmms supports most vsts i've tried in it.
also we live in a world of some really good free synthesizers like
vital and
surge XT nowadays. but i've been content to use
synth1 since it's been around and has a lot of good presets to download. i also have fl studio mobile which is cheap, it has some pretty good built in instruments that you can work with. you can also check out
spitfire labs for free instruments as a vst plugin.
right now i've been using all free stuff or cheap stuff, i know once i spend a little on a new hobby i'm going to spend a ton, and i need to save money right now lol. not until i feel like i've really got something here am i throwing down a ton of money.
off the top of my head here's some of the stuff i've been playing with
software: lmms, synth v basic, fl studio mobile
vsts: synth1, vital, surge XT, delay lama (lol), ample bass p lite ii, spitfire labs
also it's worth mentioning,
bandlab cakewalk is free nowadays. i have it installed but havent tried it too much, but i'm sure it's good. also pay attention to humble bundle, they have a lot of music related software bundles from time to time, i have sony acid from humble, but haven't used it too much.