Thanks for the responses and advice. I am keen to get something soon but not to make any mistakes. The Texas based Caterham is interesting and I am in correspondence with them so who knows.
I will ensure I post my expolits, trials and any dramas here. I don't mean the pain of getting a SS number, driving licence, bank account and all those fun things. At least that much is behind me.
I feel ashamed to admit I failed the NJ theory test twice! It is just plain stupid for someone who has been driving for 25 years!