When I started handquilting, I bought inexpensive, round wooden hoops. I still have them, in various sizes. Once I realized that I loved hand quilting I bought a floor frame, which is what I prefer to use. I also have a round hoop on a stand, for those times when I have something smaller to work on.
So my advice is to start out small, make sure this is something you want to do, then look into other alternatives.
Janet