Hi Dusty and welcome to the board. Personally, I would have started with my mask but that's not the question you asked.
First, most people, including me, will steer you to open heel fins. When you do shore diving, and you will, open heel fins with the associated booties are the way to go. That being said, it is also the most expensive way to go.
Your feet, boots and fins all have to work as one unit. For my money, I would find a pair of boots first and buy them as if you are going to have to do some real walking in them. Since you are from Texas, either 3mm or 5mm boots will work and the harder the sole the better.
Once you have good fitting booties you can start shopping for fins. Doesn't matter whose fins you buy just make sure that the pocket is deep enough and they are snug. Steer away from fins that are too loose on the sides and too tight on the top. Even a poor salesperson can tell you if a pair of fins will work well for you. What you are looking for is a nice comfortable fit without any slop or "tightness" between your feet, booties and fins.
This is one of those things you really need to buy from a brick and mortar shop. That shop doesn't have to be the one you will choose for your classes (especially true of the booties).
While you are trying on booties/fins, take the time and try different masks. Ask each salesperson how to fit a mask to an individual face. In the end, you may buy gear from three different shops. Nothing wrong with that as long as you get the best fitting gear.
One last thing. A snorkel is a long tube you breath through on the surface. Most of the people I dive with leave their snorkel in the gear bag to placate the scuba certification gods. Buy a cheap on on Ebay.
Hope this helps and welcome to diving.