I started off buying ether on coinbase.
on coinbase I've dabbled a little bit with bitcoina nd litecoin but I have a lot more faith in ethereums potential.
and I've invested in steem from the ether in my coinbase.

for storing it you probably will want to use the ledger nano s... if you invest a lot rn, id find out how to use a paper wallet until the ledger comes in
the orders are so backed up for them so go ahead and buy one even if you don't invest alot
coinbase is pretty safe but of course theres always a small but scary chance it could be hacked.

I have no idea how safe the steemit wallet is for holding steem but it seems like all the big guys do it.

hope this helps