If shifter is the path you decide to take, there are different classes in that, some of which cost more and have more of a high maintenence level involved. To start out in a shifter, I would recommend a Stock Moto, Spec 125 … i don”t know what the street name is these days. They are cheap, low to no maintenence, and there are tons of them! so you are bound to find somebody to race against.
TaG is also a great way to start out karting, you aren’t required to learn as many things such as shifting and fixing stuff (as much), but you will need to learn the fast, and most momentous way around corners. TaG is a great way to figure out how to drive a track, not let the motor do all the work.
Hope you have some luck in your decision!
Chris