Hi Dune, welcome to clraik.
It is always best to introduce yourself rather than lurking because that is what TNT, guest and Creepers!!
First read the rule pages, it isn't very long and easy to understand and follow.
Then read up on Clraik Ranks ; give you an idea regarding ranks/post counts/reputation
Then read up on Middlemans ; give you a rough idea on who is trustable in the community, and should be contact if purchase or sales are made. They are reputable and swore by the moderators/admins
The above will give you some ideas on buying/selling (which you have mention you wish to make money) and where you stands in the community.
To start you off in the direction of making money through neopoint, there are numerous FREE programs under download section that require no clraik rank, all you have to do is download, register neopet account, and run the program. Also using the search button on the top right for any type of question/key word will help. As you have mention, you are interested in making money, there are many ways of doing that here and they usually revolve around neopet ,making programs, or helping others (which can range from homework/assignment/programming of various extremity; medicore to extremely difficult and debatable subjects; doing calculus homework, making PPT for debate, write essay, or simply help out with research). So search for keyword money, cash, or help, there will be a ton of threads/posts on those topics. (There is also a dedicated section call "HELP", which I recommend you browsing)
Prior to posting something requesting for HELP, i would first use search. For example: if you need help running a certain program, search it first because maybe other users have experienced similar problems.
If you wish to learn how to program, go under programming. There are ALOT of tools, and good reading from users who may be able to help you. I would simply start by using Google, and learn some basic programming like C#, VB, etc do some reading on introduction to networking. Take online CCNA courses [4 parts, CCNA 1-2 are fundamental which uses cisco packet tracers to understand setting, configuring, sending, receiving packet. Do some reading on the networking topics if you can, that will give you an idea on how packets are sent and receive.
Lastly, I urge you and strongly recommend you to purchase a VIP clraik account. *i sound like a darn advertise woman* Why? you might ask, there are preminum features, and programs, that allows you to use VIP programs which often time aren't avaliable to public, and trust me it is worth the money. You will make neopoints faster (thus by selling more neopoints?) and will get help much faster than regular users.