Looking at buying my first pistol, have questions.

[Esox357]

Buy a firearm that suits you. Take time to go to a good gunstore and get sound information or take a friend with you that knows what he is talking about. For a first handgun, a 22 for the basics than move up to a 9mm.
I don't know what caliber you are looking at getting but would urge a new person to shoot a 9mm for starting. After that then you can move up to a bigger caliber if you felt the need. For plinking and competition I think the 9mm would save some of your money unless you are going to reload. Also it has less recoil than a 40 or 45 which should help reduce your chances of getting a flinch.
Maintenance wise you will spend probably 20-30 dollars up front for bore solvent and lubricant with some patches and that should be all you need for cleaning your firearm. It is recommended that you have a gunsmith completely clean your firearm but I have never had the need to especially using glocks, I can completely strip it myself, but this will depend on the firearm you buy. Esox357