Hey Doug
$2,500 for lessons and 2 kites, bar and board sounds about right for kiting on a budget.
I recommend Aerial kite school for affordable lessons. Reschedule your lessons if the forecast is not ideal (too light, too windy or too gusty), otherwise you'll waste your $$$ and not learn anything. My daughter (AltonJR) learned after 3 lessons but 1 of them was gusty and a waste of time and $$$.
Next to word of mouth,
KiteboardBC Buy and Sell is probably the best place to look for kite gear. You can start with low wind gear (12m and 9m) + twin tip and windsurf in higher wind. However, you'll soon discover the benefits of kiting in higher wind then get a 7m kite. Because you are a windsurfer you'll likely transition over to a surfboard and discover how much it feels like riding a tiny freestyle wave windsurfer without a sail in your face.
Windsurfing + kiting is a great combination for days on the water. My session counts jumped from 100/year windsurfing to 160/year kiting with less travel. You'll save $$$ kiting because you'll get better quality sessions and reduce the days you get skunked. If you give up windsurfing you can drive a smaller car and save even more $$$.