[MENTION=4071]BeoTeK[/MENTION], when can you start doing raids? I have been a bit tied up this week. Its the wifes birthday so hd to spend time with her and her family. Can hopefully get in some grinding time tomorrow.
Vault of Glass on normal is level 26, 30 on hard mode. Crota's End is level 30 on normal and mostly 32 on hard mode, however Crota himself is 33 on hard mode.
I would suggest looking at sites like
www.planetdestiny.com for information on everything you need. They have a massive database with all of the weapons and armor available. Including info on events and regular articles about interesting stuff. They also do weapon reviews and stuff like that. Their looking for group app works great for finding raid groups, you just join in and create parties on their app, then add the people on your console.
Start off with doing strike playlist. The dragon playlist will get you rare gear and at the very least a few legendaries. Take part in the events as well, you can unlock good gear in the Iron Banner this week (just remember that the Iron banner shader, emblem and class item gives 10% increase to reputation gain, each, so equip them before playing). If you reach lvl 28 then do some Prison of Elders matches on 28 while you do strikes. Get in on the weekly heroics and get yourself to lvl 32. Once you hit 32 the raids will be a lot easier and you can get friends to help you with the weekly Nightfall, for the chance of some great gear. For lvl 32 you need 4 pieces of armour with 36 light. All the stock gear, including the vanguard and crucible gear offers 36 light, so does the Iron Banner stuff.
At level 32 the game offers a lot more to do. You can start doing the tougher Prison of Elder matches as well, get armor cores and buy the light 42 gear from Variks.
But yeah, stick with strike playlists first, the lvl 28 dragon one, and do pvp, both give you marks and complete bounties while you do them. In a few weeks you will have enough marks for a full set of legendary armor and at least level 2 in both vanguard and crucible.
Joining a faction could also help get you gear slightly faster, but just remember you have to play crucible then to get marks for new gear.