They run on jet fuel, diesel fuel, or kerosene usually and it's often mixed with turbine oil.
Most start with smaller planes, I'll do that, as they are cheaper and more easily fixed or replaced when they crash; there's some cool ones too, just smaller, and most have self-levelling anti-crash technology so it's less likely a learner pilot will crash. An instructor is also used, someone to teach flight, the controls and so on.
Once skills are gained a person tends to go to larger and faster planes. It's like any hobby I guess, it takes time to learn and master. If it was easy everyone would do it.
It does sound like something that will keep you busy for a few years. I hope you'll have a lot of fun and looking forward to more shots and stories about it.
Thank you for the explanation!