I am new to roll20 and would like some help and advice

So after seeing the explostion of D&D content on youtube I was pointed to this website but was left adrift in this ocean of information. To tell the truth I haven't played D&D in 13 years and would LOVE to get back into the game but I don't know what edition is best, any of the new rules (I didn't know too many to start with because my character was a half elf-half dwarf barbarian so I just punched things with my axe and acted as a meat shield as the rest of my team did the brain work) so I would like some advice on looking for a game, finding a understanding DM who wouldn't mind taking on a noob, and making a new character, there are so many new races and classes to pick from! I was hoping to play something of a lightweight and sneaky swordsman with maybe a little bit of sneaky magic if that's a thing.
At the end of the day I am just looking to get back into the game and find a group that can put up with me, normally I catch onto RPG type games quickly and I always loved the freedom that D&D offers over other games!   

Well the current edition is 5th and is notably better than previous editions for streamlining some of the rules, its quite beginner friendly. Get yourself a copy of the Players Handbook so you can see what your options are in terms of classes and races etc. Its the only mandatory book you need as a player.

You might find some value in watching D&D streams/podcasts like Critical Role, The Adventure Zone, or roll20 Presents: Tomb of Annihilation to see how the game flows and to get familiar with the rules.  You can search for suitable games on roll20 at https://app.roll20.net/lfg/search/ or also try looking for a game over at https://www.reddit.com/r/lfg/

In terms of actually finding a game, it is a bit of a challenge as a newbie or getting back into the game. There are always a ton more people willing to play than to DM and as a result, there is a lot of competition for party spots. A lot of D&D games have an Application process in their listing where you tell the DM about yourself and a character you are proposing, and its not unusual to see 50 people applying for 5 spots. I guess my advise would to look for games particularly targeted at newbies, have a well thought out or interesting concept, or even start a game yourself and try and attract others in a similar situation.

I would say just to keep at it and don't take it personally if you don't make the cut the first few games you apply for. Some of these games run for years and the DM's want to find the best people for their games. Good luck.

You don't have to buy the Player's Handbook to check out the basics. You can scope out the core of the 5th edition D&D rules in the SRD for free: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/systems-r...

If you like what you see, the PHB offers more options.

You may also want to check the Basic Rules. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrule...

It is more stripped down than the SRD and may be a gentler entry point. The SRD is more for people who want to redistribute WotC content in their own products (it outlines what can be used) and contains parts of the PHB, MM, and DMG all sandwiched together. It is still a great, no-cost option, but the Basic Rules might work better as that first look.

Depending on what system you are comfortable with, you can search the Game listings for that system. I do recommend reading the New to Roll20 thread as that has information about roll20. For non roll20 questions, it is usually recommended to go to reddit or other sites that are more focused on that.

From the Roll20 Community Code of Conduct:

The Roll20 Forums exist to discuss topics directly related to the use of the Roll20 program. Anything that more fittingly could be discussed on another website SHOULD be discussed there.

Here are some good places to discuss this topic:

• /r/rpg
• /r/dnd
• /r/dndnext
• /r/ADND
• /r/Pathfinder_RPG
• /r/savageworlds
• /r/shadowrun
• /r/swrpg
• /r/40krpg
• /r/warhammerfantasyrpg
• /r/WhiteWolfRPG
• /r/LFG
• /r/gamemasters