As you are from America, its not that complicated to buy BTC. Coinbase is the best place for you and the process of buying is easy in it compared to other exchanges. Karken is also a good exchange. If it is possible then check localbitcoins and find some local sellers, you get a negotiation on the price.
Even if you're nit from the us, i think it's still easy to acquire btcs from where you are. I've had friends from asia that regularly does trading and buying btcs. Applications are readily available both in play and apple store for btc wallets where you can cash in and start trading or holding btcs