I've used several recording DAW's and standalone recorders. I love my Zoom R-16 and use it whenever I have to record something and not be concerned with configuration or being sure it will work on the spot. BUT mixing on stand alone recorders can be challenging. I will take The recordings from the R-16 and transfer to MACBOOK for editing into Reaper or GarageBand. Here are one of my recordings using the R-16
PEACEFUL EASY FEELIN - YouTube
I've done many comparisons at YouTube.com/deberney
You can probably get a used ZOOM on eBay cheap. It also has a basic Audio interface that works well.
I've used quite a bit recording equipment and software. CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD. I find the less expensive Audio Interface units have latency/configuration problems like the lower end Presonus and Focusrite.
I just used a ZOOM TAC-2 $299 and for the money it was a very nice unit, easily configured, no latency issues, clean sound, portable.
If you own any MAC products you will have access to free GarageBand. I use GarageBand when I have to have midi instruments in the recording. Very automated, user friendly.
That said, Reaper is my DAW of choice. It can be as easy or complex as you need it to be and unlike most other DAWS, Reaper stores your individual .wav files while many of the others save them in their own format and make it very hard to import into anything else.
There is a wealth of information that can be had with a search on YouTube.com
I wouldn't wait a few years to record. Think of all the music you could be recording and all that you could be learning with the mixing aspect. I would get something from eBay that I could afford then upgrade when you can. There is an abundance of lower end stuff at a fraction of the new price.
REAPER is free to try and I think $60 to buy. It is a very powerful DAW with endless capabilities.