Reply to Need Equipment Recommendations

Hey everyone, I'm new to DJ'ing and I got a couple questions.

My goal is to do it for fun and occasional gigs at schools. I love entertaining people. Maybe if I get good, I'll do it for extra $$

I've played with virtual DJ and mixed some electronic music. But so far, VERY basic stuff.

I need to know what my next step is. I've looked at gear (mp3 mixers, I don't want CD's) and seen everything from $100 USB Hercules mixers to $1000 Pioneer's...

I want to buy something that I can learn on at home, and still use at small (emphasis on small) events to make people shake their asses. I don't want to buy something I'll outgrow in a month, but something decent I'll appreciate for a while...

Please recommend some gear ... Also, is Traktor software better than Virtual DJ? I'm looking to mix electronic music (house, techno, etc.)

Thanks in advance!!