Rachel,
A good, industry standard pole costs £160 inc. delivery from Ann Summers. It's a professional standard dance pole, and is the best on the market. Pole Dancing is a sport where you shouldn't take risks, and buy cheap, your pole will probably just fall down... The X-Pole is fully removable and you would never even know it was there. I have mine up permanently, makes life easier, though they have now introduced a bottom loading pole, which means it's even easier to put up. As for learning, Youtube is a great place to start for inspiration. There are loads of DVD's. Jamilla's Art of Pole, 1 to 5, being my favourites. You can get these shipped from Austraila quite cheaply. Look online for local classes too and take a friend for support, I had a fantastic instructor, who wasn't what you would expect, she was a size 12-14 Mum. Her daughter was 22 and a professional dancer, but our instructor only taught and had never danced professionally. I really can't recommend it enough. You don't have to be strong, you'll build up your strength as you go along, I could barely get my toes off the floor, 6 months later I was at the top of my pole throwing myself upside down.
Hugs,
Lisa. xox