Step1: Create coinbase account. You would need verification with dmv license.
You may use the following referral link: https://www.coinbase.com/join/57c0f47839e0fa03af086437
Both of us get $10 worth of bitcoin
Step2: Transfer funds to USD Wallet from bank < avoid paying coinbase fees !! >
Step3: 100+ coins available here
Create accounts here ( You would need verification with dmv license for advanced levels ) 
bitfinex: https://bittrex.com/    Bittrex has wider set of coins
poloniex: https://poloniex.com/  (Exclusive to poloniex: GAS) 

Additional Reference:
Charting ( bitfinex - assumption - bitfinex has highest volume ) 
https://www.coinigy.com/main/markets/BITF/BTC/USD
https://www.tradingview.com/markets/cryptocurrencies/quotes-bitcoin/   --> select bitfinex
Book:
Mastering Bitcoin 2nd Edition - Programming the Open Blockchain : https://github.com/bitcoinbook/bitcoinbook
Websites: 
https://coinmarketcap.com/
http://www.blocktivity.info/
Articles:
What is Blockchain Technology? https://www.coindesk.com/information/what-is-blockchain-technology/
How does Bitcoin work? https://bitcoin.org/en/how-it-works
Bitcoin 101 https://bravenewcoin.com/industry-resources/bitcoin-101/bitcoin-properties/
How does the Blockchain Work? (Part 1) https://medium.com/blockchain-review/how-does-the-blockchain-work-for-dummies-explained-simply-9f94d386e093