Any Cheese Makers? Would love your Expertise!

So I'm REALLY interested in making my own cheeses and yogurt. I've been looking online and trying to see what I need and what not.

I will most likely have access to cows since I live in dairy country, so I will most likely not have to worry about pasteurization.

I know I should probably start with easy cheeses first, and work my way up. I really want to make my own brie, though. It's my favorite.

So cheese makers, what advice can you give me on the following:

Bare Essential Equipment
Safety - not getting sick, and knowing if i screw up
Tips that could be really helpful
Personal Recipes
Anything else?

Thanks in advance, I want to try soon, and if I'm successful (or not) I'll let you know