A little heads up - go
here for loads of good advice and information. These folks will tell you everything you need to know about detecting, your particular machine, getting permission to dig, how to perfect your plugs and fill in your holes, and the MDer's Code of Ethics. They'll help you out when the inevitable discouragement sets in LOL.
My piece of advice is to budget for a Garrett Pro Pointer. It will help you out immensely and give you more swing time and less sifting through dirt searching for that illusive target.
Good luck and happy hunting.