Fruity loops isn't really that bad. Its great for drums and for a sequencer for just starting out. Just don't use the FL sounds. I use a bunch of VST's from sampletank to native instruments. I use a roland drum machine, midi drum machine, midi keyboard, and motif x6. I mostly use Sony Acid Pro for the sequencer, hopefully ill get pro tools soon. For vocal recording I forget what specific kind of mic I have since I've had it for almost a year. Also use a behringer 21 channel mixer and an equalizer for fun.
I worked with someone at one of my old jobs that was basically running a professional studio as a producer/engineer and he helped out a lot. Try to get like a mentor, it helps.