Hi Kieran,

I was exactly like you a couple months back. Try what i did in order and see what works for you. I don't think mining is for everyone.

1) Buy BTC from an exchange, the prices are very tempting right now, you can get a good deal.
2) Stay away from cloud mining sites, their maintenance costs are very high and will burn a hole in your pocket, especially with difficulty rising.
3) If you really want to mine, get yourself some BTC from an exchange and rent a rig for a day or so and see how that works out for you - Try Betarigs / leaserigs for more information.

Do not waste your money on buying a miner and setting it up, this is my humble opinion. Sooner or later, with difficulty rising, your returns will keep coming down and operating costs will feel like they are rising. If you are still hell bent on buying a miner, buy one from Bitmain... i recommend the S3 antminer to start off with.