You should definitly try with a tablet. What's important in your case is starting so don't buy an expensive tablet when all you need it's a fonctional one.
You can find some affordable products out there(even Wacom). Youtube is full of tutorials regarding pretty much every digital painting software ever created. Just pick one and learn it.
Get use to thinking your art through a painting program. You'll soon notice that you don't approach your art the same way on paper in traditional art that you would do on digital.
Also don't be on the hurry. Learning takes time. Get ready for frustration and discouragement but don't you give up. Those who are incapable to digital paint mostly don't succeed because they give up when they should actually train regularly until their art improves.
Godspeed!
MchectorII
Now you have the chance to do what you always wanted,so good luck and have fun!