Making a Ranger.. (I know right?)

[Fanguru]

1) early on it goes half elf for combat stats, human or wood elf for a larger mana pool. Doesn't really matter.

2) just starting out you can probably get a free dragonhorn ykesha or ebony bladed sword till 10 in EC, then the silver swiftblade. Good luck finding a woodsman staff.
Usual 5ac 55hp rings are awesome whenever you have the cash (~500pp the pair), then whatever you can find that has str or hp.

3) finding group is not that bad really. Sure you cannot pop in seb at 51 and get a group like a shaman or cleric would, but you are still dps and still get invites. At least I do on euro times, might be worse in US timezone.

4) it's not a mistake as long you're enjoying it. However, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as a first real character. I love it as a twink and possibly future main.