I'd look at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XPB313 for the $70 one you can pick up a yaesu ht for a little more, the 5 to 8 w is not really much of a difference, though I've had good results with the bf-f8hp.
To get licensed: https://hamstudy.org/
Baofeng UV-5R: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XPB313
Don't be intimidated by the technician exam, it's mostly common sense rules and regulations.