How to get started with DnD (as a DM or player) if none of your friends play?

Title, I’ve recently gotten pretty into DnD, at least making characters. I originally started looking into it because I thought DMing looked super fun and interesting. I’ve always loved fantasy worldbuilding and telling stories, but I don’t wanna start off with a bunch of strangers as my first time DMing- I feel like I’d end up wasting their time and making a crap campaign.

So yeah, advice? Is it even possible to start off as a DM and do well? Or at the same time, how do you start off as a player when none of your friends are into DnD?

I’ve found a site that connects people with DMs, but ya gotta pay for sessions. Honestly that’s my plan b but I’d really rather not pay for a hobby yk.