Looking to start the hobby

[u/smo0th_fb]

I ride regularly on a Giant escape for general fitness. I was looking to get into road cycling with the intention of eventually racing and was wondering what a good starter would be. Also any recs on other gear (suits, clip-ins, and stuff such as that)? I am a college student so I haven’t got the room to drop 1k+ on a bike, I’ve mainly been looking a lot on marketplace and other 2nd hand options. Any older models that could make good starters and reasonable price ranges for said bikes? Also not 100% on sizing but I am 5’10” if that helps. Not looking for anything crazy, any old aluminum frame will do for me.