Happy new year, i agree with Fuzzy , and glad you are going to get some tuition, i have only been turning for a few months, joining a club is also a great way of gleaning knowledge, every one seems so helpful.
on the sharpening front i had the same dilemma, and was heading down the Tormek road, but it seemed slow watching it on you tube all the wet stones seem the same and more maintenance needed (changing the water, dressing the stone ect), in the end i got a sorby pro edge stuck a ceramic belt on it for 6 quid , what a machine, bullet proof, it is so well made and even i can get perfect grinds on it, if you are thinking of getting the record wet stone grinder with all the jigs, i reckon a a pro edge plus will be about the same amount and it is a lot quicker, but in the end your choice and i understand your worries, about fire, but as fuzzy says i think you will be fine
all the best Tim