So, since it seems very, very, VERY hard to find a game around here (every LFP post I respond to is already full, or in a timezone that is wildly different, etc.) I'm thinking I might start DMing.  I've run other game systems pretty successfully, but never DnD although I've played a good bit of 3.5.  I've got the DM Guide and PHB, read both cover to cover, but am worried about getting a group together and then running into issues where the players know the ruleset better than I do.  Couple that with one or two min/maxers, and that doesn't sound fun to me at all.

Thoughts and suggestions?  Experiences to share?  I want to do a good job for my players, and am willing to endure the learning curve, but not at the expense of everyone's enjoyment.

Thanks!

The situation is pretty simple. Either you play with people you know, and it's assumed you can figure it out together OR you play with strangers and hopefully can bond and become friends, who can figure it out together.

My group of friends that play DnD(and other games) has had mixed luck with inviting complete strangers into games. The majority of the games were fun. Many people came and went on good terms, a couple on bad terms. Some of us met through gaming but, are friends on every level now.

Make it known where you think your level of experience is so, people have an idea what to expect. Some people really enjoy learning as a group. Some players with experience like to help others enjoy DnD. I would just say get out there and do it.

I am 48 years old and probably played DND last when I was in my teens. I started back about a year and a half ago now with 5e, playing once every two weeks via Zoom/Discord/DND Beyond/Roll20.

My wife, brother and some other friends are all stumbling through this together with me as DM. I found that Lost Mine of Phandelver a GREAT re-introduction to the game.

We went through that, and now I'm trying to run Hoard of the Dragon Queen now with the same players--and it's been great fun. They knew my experience level before I got in. There's only one guy in our group that's really experienced, and I find it helpful and encouraging to have him in the group. I think that truly experienced players respect the DM, and they're helpful in trying to determine what's "fair" sometimes if you're shaky on knowing the rules.

If you've got a decent group of players--nobody wants to cheat or to be stupid--it's just a bunch of people trying to have a good time. Best of luck to you, and I hope it's great fun for all of you!

Okay, you’re in the right place. Mentally and whatnot, because you’re hopeful and experienced. 

Here’s my piece of advice, when players disappoint you, don’t take it personally, it’s not a reflection on you or the table you’re running. Sometimes life happens, and sometimes people are just absolutely terrible.

Thanks for the info and the suggestions.  I'll probably end up soliciting players through here since the group I used to play with way WAY back when has moved on.  I'll be upfront with them, and see what happens.