need advice as I consider endless vs. regular pool, etc.

I'm hoping to read through the forum for now just to get myself oriented to the pool universe (new to me), so I'm posting here as instructed. I don't have any big questions at the moment, or rather I have nothing BUT questions, since I'm so ignorant, like in-ground vs. above ground; endless vs. regular; salt vs. non-salt; types of lining material (vinyl, gunite, concrete, tile) and so on, for my region (Louisiana) will all be areas of research for me. Thanks so much for providing a place where information can be located and questions answered.
MR