Hello - I'm Alec - have yet to homebrew

but interested in starting soon - trying to get some pointers on ways to start to avoid mistakes that most beginners make.  Any tips appreciated such as best places to order supplies, ingredients, etc. 

Thanks

Alec,
Welcome to homebrewing and the BeerSmith group!
You are in the right place to begin learning about homebrew.  Just a few minutes a day reading the new posts on this forum and presenting any questions you have will expose you to a wide range of information.  You might start by reading the following thread on the forum that discusses some advice and direction for beginners.
http://www.beersmith.com/forum/index.php/topic,4528.0.html

If you appreciate good beer, you will love homebrewing!

Tim

Hi Alec,

Welcome to the hobby. Try Midwest Brewing or Northern Brewer for supplies.

Gerry

Welcome. Most of the better homebrew shops will help get you started with a brewing kit, a good book, and a recipe to start with. The two listed above are good sources. I also use FH Steinbarts because they are local, but also a national supplier. They can't list everything on the web, but they are happy to help either by email or phone. This would go for any good supplier.
Don't worry about mistakes. You'll scare yourself away from a great hobby.
Welcome
Rusty