What are the best steps to take for someone who is interesting in beginning to invest? Or, is it best to just hand what you want to invest to a professional?

I wouldn't hand your money to a professional if you can help it. Basically, they are doing what you can do and then they take some of the money you earned. But, I guess if you don't have any time or even less desire, making some money is better than no money. I would suggest setting up a dummy account at somewhere like Ameritrade.com and practicing before investing any real money.