Anyone know how one starts in cryptocurrency? I don't want an ETF because I want to hold the investment behind the protection of the blockchain. I guess what I am asking is how does one obtain one of those 'wallets'?

The easiest way would be through PayPal or Square. Although, I don’t think you can sell them for cash through those platforms. Edit: they only use Bitcoin.

Coinbase is also an easy way. They can store it for you through their wallet or you can download a wallet to your computer and send it there. This is hot storage. You can buy a dedicated wallet as well. Kind of like a usb drive for offline “cold” storage. You would then send your crypto to your wallet.

There may be others.

cold = more secure but more difficult to transact
hot = less secure but easier to transact.

Coinbase can sync with fidelity.....so you can see your crypto balance if you already use fidelity investments.....but you cannot buy or sell it on fidelity.

I use Gemini. Up and running in 10mins. I was even able to purchase before my bank funded the account. Winklevii are smart dudes.

Easiest I know of is the Voyager app...

https://www.investvoyager.com/

Is there any way to purchase bitcoin without a bank transfer? In other words... without a paper trail.

i wanna say only by mining it

(some) Bitcoin ATMs take cash.

I'll sell you some for cash. Meet me behind the La Quinta on Virginia Ave.

You bringing a hotspot? And we can meet in the lobby.