Joe,

another thing to add is resist the urge to go cheap so you can have both right away. For years I had a cheap banjo and mandolin, and every time I picked either one up it was more discouraging than enjoyable.

When I finally got playable instruments it made a big difference in terms of playability and enjoyment.

For example, I started out with the acoustic-electric teardrop mandolin by Fender that you see everywhere. I could never get good intonation out of that instrument. I asked BobCFlatpicker for a recommendation, and he suggested THE LOAR F-style mando... (I forget the model #) so I took his advice and bought one. I've been very happy with it (Thanks Bob!)

For the price its a very well made instrument, good enough to warrant upgrading hardware later to make it even better.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0