How do I create a Minecraft server, and where do I start?

How do I create a Minecraft server, and where do I start?

It depends if you want to want to host it via LAN or have an official server. You can port forward and host it on your computer, if you want to play with your friends, or you can choose a website like:
https://mcprohosting.com/order?game=minecraft

If you want to buy a rented server to host your server.

First of all you need to know if you want a local server or dedicated server. The local server is server only for you and your friends if you connect through certain form of connection like Hamachi. The dedicated server you can buy and everyone can join it, also you can manage literally every settings...

Its very simple, you can find tutorials online about it and running one from home. I use https://www.minecraft-hosting.pro for mine!