Start by working on as much stuff as possible (lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, garage doors, mailboxes, whatever). The more stuff you work on the more you will learn. (Lesson 1: Don't do unnecessary maintenance or try fixing things that aren't broken.)

Tools to start with (look for sets rather than individual tools): Screwdrivers, Torx wrenches, Allen wrenches (SAE and Metric), combination wrenches (SAE and metric).
The more tools in the set the more likely you will have the right size.
Socket sets are nice to have (1/4" and 3/8" drive are the most commonly used).
(As a general rule the sets that have all of these types of tools in one set usually aren't very good quality and are usually missing sizes that come in the specific sets).

I'm not a big fan of Craftsman tools these days, I'd be more likely to look at Kobalt.

A lift is definitely not mandatory, but it is nice to have. It will hold the bike upright and give you more clearance for fluid changes. It also can save you from bending over as much.

You can make one like this: http://s85.beta.photobucket.com/user...ry/Bike%20lift
I had one that I used for years. Wish I didn't give it away, I've been thinking about making another.