As a complete beginner I did my black car with generic DA, some generic orange & black hex pads, and menzerna 2500 last year. Took a whole day, but the end results were pretty damn good. I think you just have to start somewhere and get stuck in, you'll figure it out from there. It's not rocket science, they just make it sound that way to sell you expensive products!
The best thing I bought from my little detailing shopping spree was actually 3 buckets with a grit guard, and a couple of big waffle drying towels... my better washing regime has meant I've not had to hit it again with the DA since.