Hey TheFuriousWombat,
I think I can help here. I've been playing for a few years now, so I'm just out of the noob phase. I feel that makes me very suited to answer your questions. I recommend NOT getting any pedals right away. I was a pedal fan when I first started, but that didn't work out so well because I didn't really know anything and made some bad investments. My advice to you is to get a Fender Mustang amp, ideally the Mustang III if you can afford it ($299). It is a modelling amp, and not tube, but don't let that turn you off. Pay no attention to the tube-amp-only cork sniffers.
That amp has a ton of versatility and also a lot of built-in pedal-like effects that you can tweak just like real pedals. You will not be disappointed with either the sound or versatility. It also can sound great at very low levels, which is important for beginners like us.
After you've played for a while and have a good feeling for playing and gear, then I would suggest you get a tube amp and start in on the pedals.
Regarding guitars, I'd say get a cheap used guitar to start with. DO NOT buy new! Your tastes may change as you progress with your learning and you will lose a lot of money if you sell a new guitar on the used market. However, if you start off with a used guitar, you should be able to get close to your purchase price upon resale. I know it's scary for a new player to enter the used guitar world, but having a guitarist friend along to help you pick a good one will help a lot. You could also pay a little more and buy a used guitar at Guitar Center, to take advantage of their good return policy in case you don't like it.
Based on the music you said you want to play, I'd recommend getting a guitar with humbuckers over one with single coil pickups. However, I believe the Mustang can pull out some aggressive tones even from single-coils.
Good luck and have fun!
