Get a chimney starter, they are the shizz....or do what I did for a while and take an old paint can and poke holes in it like a chimney starter.
Charcoal or lump will do fine, don't get fancy at first. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
I like to light a whole chimney, even for burgers. Vents all open, heat up the grill, and when your done shut the vents and lid on. You can use the leftover next time.
It's not as easy as LP, but the taste is worth it, imo.
Also, do bigger cooks. Do the whole pack of dogs or burgers. They are great for b-fast and lunch. Don't forget the veggies and the bacon.
By keep'n the old gas grill you have, you do have that option. If you get a weber, you'll open up more options.
Any questions, just ask. Everyone is here to help, good bunch of turds here.