Sewing help, please!

I came this close to buying a sewing machine last week. Aside from debating the price tags on the machines, I'll admit it: I don't know much about sewing. I see the obvious value of owning one, and I'm crafty as it is, so I figured why not?

I'm a hesitant shopper regarding most things, and considering the price tag on most sewing machines, even lesser expensive ones ($80+), I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I am scared that I'll go on a sewing binge and then store it away for a decade until I bring it back out.

This is my call for help here. If you're experienced or maybe just a wannabe like me, please feel free to comment. For now, please adjust your answers to a beginner's needs if you're able to do so.

1. What features are truly necessary on a machine? Which ones are not?



2. Is brand name really that important? Is there a difference in quality for example?



3. Besides the obvious machine, what other items should be purchased to get started and for basic projects? And how much would a minimum investment be?



4. Is it truly cost saving to create most items?? (I worry that I'll end up spending far more on the fabric or notions than it would actually cost to buy from somewhere like TJ Maxx or Ross).



5. Do you need to buy a Sewing 101 type of book or take a class to learn sewing? Or is it possible to just experiment on your own and be self-taught?



6. What have been the biggest challenges in learning sewing?



7. If you knew then what you know now, what would that be?
   

If I think of anything else, I'll update my questions. All comments are welcome, regardless if you respond to the aforementioned items :)

I already have a project in the queue so to speak; it's a great apron pattern that I'll post later once I get started on it.