Hi NS,
I can really empathise with your situation as I had a similar 25 year sabatical, but as a guitarist. When i took up playing again, I switly moved to Bass and will neve go back to guitar.
I looks like you are going down a similar path and I wouldn't normally put my "10 Penneth In", but you have got some really good advice from BassChatters and you have obviously done the right thing by joining us........
I know there are some Behringer Fans on the forum but I went a similar route as you are thinking and it was the worst, (and most costly), mistake I made. Behringer DO make some good products but I had massive problems with mine and was treated like a leaper when I sold the stuff.
There is some really good kit on here at the moment. Not sure if BigD still has the Neo loaded Ashdown ABM115 and Carlsbro head still for sale, but that was once mine and is bloody awesome. Pretty light, ply construction and has your trousers flapping like a good un. The head is one of the last British made ones before they shipped production to China.
The other suggestions above are really great and you will obviously get More Bang for Your Buck by buying 2nd hand. Electronics are pretty realiable these days, so you shouldn't have a problem.
Good idea to stick with the Bass until you know what you want. Not sure how many I went through before I stopped looking at the Basses For Sale section, but it is a good few. One make that really impressed was Cort. As well as making for Lakland/G&L/Fender and i believe some Ibanez products, they are fantastic instruments. Very well made and they have "borrowed" some of the ideas from the production lines of the Big Boys. The GB74 is awesome.
As ever this is only my personal opinion and at the end of the day it is your money and your choice. Good Luck and I hope you don't end up doing as much "Wheeling and Dealing" as I did to get the set-up I craved.