CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

So, I'm trying to find a way to create a server for me and some friends to play a private game of TF2...and I'll admit I'm a complete n00b to all this...

I have a feeling it's harder then I can imagine...but I hope not....

So, yeah...what's a good way to go about it? (and preferably inexpensive way)

Thanks...

I imagine that Valve publicly provides a server for TF2... don't they?

It's just a matter of evaluating your server's needs and acting appropriately. I'd investigate how much bandwidth/memory the game uses for your expected number of players (visit Valve's forums; I'm sure it's documented somewhere). Then it's just a matter of finding a host that fits your needs.