Starting from scratch

[JackStands]

Hey everyone! Brand new to the forum and glad to be here. I've been recording on 4 tracks and studios for years, with a short run in home recording using GarageBand on my Mac. My Mac has since died, and I'm looking to pick up where I left off with my PC laptop. I'm really interested in tips on how to get started.

I'd like to incorporate drum loops (not to familiar with them other than cutting and pasting in GarageBand) as well as mixing midi/usb keyboards (i have a couple) with other live instruments like guitar, bass, and vocals. What should I plan on for my first step? I've been playing around with Reason and Reaper but nothing has clicked yet. I assume I'll need to get some sort of interface to improve sound quality, and ideally I'd like some software that will allow me to cut and paste drum tracks while also being able to edit them. Any tips are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!