Extract is pretty straightforward and a big improvement on kits imho.
Look aroud on here, should be plenty of info available.
I am/ have been doing small batches of various extract brews-6 to 10 litres and so far have been really pleased with results.
I tend to use the recipe builder available on here eithermake up my own recipe or find one from a book and either tweak it or do it as is.
Not as cheap as AG but personally i am not too worried about overall cost. Mine have been coming out roughly around 50/60 p pint and have been told AG can be done for around 25p pint!