The Adobe site is very hard to navigate.
There are some very odd responses here... anyway, you are a
blank slate. Unless you are running a Mac, you can't go wrong with
either one. Personally, it's the software in between your ears you
need to worry about. Though I do agree, there are probably more
free tutorials for Illustrator.
I saw this advertised on Signs 101 that might help....
http://schoolofracinggraphics.com/courses-overview/mastering-adobe-illustrator-course-information/
Lynda.com not only teaches Illustrator, Corel and Photoshop, it also teaches design. I suggest Von Glitshka's classes.
You say "niche" market... might help to know... you need illustrating
abilities -
http://www.illustrationclass.com or layout... you using
clip art? or hand drawn? Yu getting into any kind of wrap and design, you
have to get this book...
http://www.amazon.com/Building-Big-Small-Business-Brand/dp/0988353903/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
You go with Corel, learn from the master.... Joe Diaz
http://diazsignart.com/corel-draw-workshop-mini-meet/
I have a few programs, and know them pretty good. I prefer Illustrator
because of my work flow, and every signshop and design firm I deal with uses
Illustrator. Don't know where people get the idea that Corel is for Illustrating
or has an edge... they both do it really well, in my opinion, Illustrators layer
options give it an edge, add third party plug-ins and add's more drawing options....
when you get there.
If you go with Adobe...
If you selected just the Illustrator and Photoshop apps, you are
in for 40 bucks a month. I highly suggest getting the suite.
I imagine in time you will need to design a website and Muse is
a pretty simple but powerful program for those who can't code.
Once you sign up for Creative Cloud, you have a choice between CC or CS6.
Good Luck!