You need to answer a question first: what do you want to read? There are several places you could start, but it’s best to know where you want to go first.
What are some good websites?
Well, this one of course!
What not to do?
Once you’ve chosen a course of action, and a textbook, do not deviate! It is very easy to acquire half a dozen introductory Greek books. Pick one and stick with it (though you’ll eventually want a grammar and dictionary, too).
I appreciate the information. I definitely want to be able to read Ancient Greek Philosophy in the orginal Greek. The ability to read the Classics and the New Testament in Greek would be nice, too.
Do you think that White’s First Greek Book would ideal for independent study?
I don’t know if it is ideal. It was intended to be used in the classroom.
I am a member of a Textkit study group that uses this book. We just finished chapter 7, but the real memory work does not start until chapter 3. You might be able to catch up and join. (The group stopped taking any more member, but possibly some original members might have dropped out, leaving an empty spot. William Annis or Paul Bell would know.)
Mounce’s Basics of Biblical Greek is more “user friendly”. Rather than just say certain changes to words occur, it explains why they occur.
Throughout the book he encourages the student to keep going.
I would still recommend to start with White’s book, especially if you can join the group. (Playing catch-up is hard though)
I am still a relative beginner but there are certain aspects of Biblical Greek that I understand better because I am studying Greek of an earlier era.
Good luck.