I would rather start with new boxes and buy bees from a bee producer.
There is a lot of things to look out for in old hives, beetles, mites, wax moths... It is a lot to deal with right from the start, and if you know that the boxes and foundations are new and clean then that is one thing you do not have to worry about while you are getting the feel for the whole bee thing.
But that is probably just me. I think people who have confidence should be fine.
We can not get the inspector out to even look at our hives, so... I do not know how valid a certificate of health is.
Also moving bees is a talent upon itself.
Convincing them to stay and fly back to where they used to live is another.
You will want some equipment before you go get the bees: smoker, hood, ect..
Go to the dadant web site
http://www.dadant.com/catalog/index...5Sif8EQ3OP8C1vjYHx1dWvGFW4bylODp_wBoChwvw_wcB
and price out what it would cost to get started and then weight what you are getting with what you need cost wise.