Get a Nikon or Canon DSLR if you can come to afford one. Pick one up used, or if you want new, the Nikon D3000 would be very suitable with it's ISO range, aperture, and shutter speeds for the money. That's what I plan to start with, and I have seen great pictures with the camera. And mega pix aren't everything, 12 is really the most that I would ever go with, because mega pix can make it get that "grainy" look and looks more saturated in low light. And don't waste your money on a professional photographer. You can find all the skills you need here (other than having a good eye)
http://www.carphototutorials.com/