Hi ahdoughnutz & welcome to the community,
I like your thinking, I've been playing poker for large part of 20 years (yeah I know I'm old, so shoot me

) and have been recently thinking of doing a few live events.
I'm thinking local pub league first, then maybe APAT before trying for GUKPT.
Online is a good place to start and get a feel for tournaments before venturing out.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi and welcome you to this friendly and helpful community and will no doubt see you around the forums soon.
Best regards,
Bart
(from Hampshire)