Welcome.
I think you should go to the events even if you dont have a bow. see if you can tag along on a course and ask questions. Most guys will probably let you shoot their bows if you ask.
Also, You may want to pick up a used older production recurve and shoot it until you figure out what you will like because all bows are different. Only way to find out what you like is to shoot a lot of bows. Best way to do that is to go to the bigger events and shoots where there are vendors.
I was in your shoes about 7 years ago. I was fortunate enough to meet a few local guys from Trad gang before I went to my first shoot. One of them who is a good friend of mine now brought a bunch of bows in the low 40's weight to try. I shot one of the bows with my poorly matched compound arrows until my arms wanted to fall off.
After a visit to his house the following week he offered to let me borrow a bow indefinitely until I had one of my own. I was able to give his bow back about 8-9 months later. I hunted the first year with it.
Anyhow, what I am getting at is talk with people, ask questions and enjoy the journey. You dont need a bow to go to events. Trust me, if you have any money left over after feeding the kids, you will be bringing one home eventually.
Good luck, Have fun and Welcome from NY!