Note: I am interested in playing NLHE. Short version: I live near a large casino. I would like to eventually get good enough to play there and consistently win money. However, the lowest stake table is $1, $2 with $300 max buyin. Presumably I would want to buyin at the max amount and I do not want to go in with no experience and blow $300. I would like to reach a certain skill level before I go. What steps should I take to do this as efficiently as possible(most experience gained per amount of time and money put in).

Long Version: I have played in friendly games before but rarely for money. I am good with numbers and have college level education in mathematics, probability, and statistics. I would like to increase my skill level. Specific questions I have are: -What would be a good book to start with for someone in my position? (i.e. I do not need a book to explain the rules. Nor do I need a book to explain how probabilities work. I would prefer a book that jumps right into strategy. Are there any go-to first books or 'must reads' in the poker community?)

-What is the deal with online play for real money in the U.S.? It seems to be popular belief that it was banned in the U.S. however I read here that there are sites that residents of the U.S. can still play on. Are these fully legal? If so, how come they can do it while other popular sites no longer can? (like pokerstars)

-Based on the posts here, it seems like all online players use some sort of software to track their statistics and the tendencies of other players. What software should I get before playing online?

-When I do feel confident enough in my skills to try out live games, should I search out lower stake local games in my area before buying in at $300 at the casino? If so are there any popular websites that are used to organize games?

Note: I am interested in playing NLHE.

Short version: 

I live near a large casino. I would like to eventually get good enough to play there and consistently win money. However, the lowest stake table is $1, $2 with $300 max buyin. Presumably I would want to buyin at the max amount and I do not want to go in with no experience and blow $300. I would like to reach a certain skill level before I go. What steps should I take to do this as efficiently as possible(most experience gained per amount of time and money put in).

Long Version:

I have played in friendly games before but rarely for money. I am good with numbers and have college level education in mathematics, probability, and statistics. I would like to increase my skill level. Specific questions I have are:

• What would be a good book to start with for someone in my position? (i.e. I do not need a book to explain the rules. Nor do I need a book to explain how probabilities work. I would prefer a book that jumps right into strategy. Are there any go-to first books or 'must reads' in the poker community?)
• What is the deal with online play for real money in the U.S.? It seems to be popular belief that it was banned in the U.S. however I read here that there are sites that residents of the U.S. can still play on. Are these fully legal? If so, how come they can do it while other popular sites no longer can? (like pokerstars)
• Based on the posts here, it seems like all online players use some sort of software to track their statistics and the tendencies of other players. What software should I get before playing online?
• When I do feel confident enough in my skills to try out live games, should I search out lower stake local games in my area before buying in at $300 at the casino? If so are there any popular websites that are used to organize games?