Hi RK...
I'm on the same page with USMC, RK though I would say if you can afford a "finished" or "well-started" dog and will take some ... well, handling pointers ... from whomever you buy the dog from, you will be miles ahead.
Developing a good pointing dog from puppyhood is an Art - simply because when you have a good pointer it IS a Work of Art.
If you get a pup, there are three things you
must have and three things you must
not have. You
must have Patience, More Patience, and Even More Patience. You must
not have Temper, Some Temper, or Any Temper.
As for a pup not holding point - that takes time - more so with some pups than others. Unless your pup can read a calendar, don't use a calendar to decide when your pup should be good at holding point. It is very easy to cause a pup to break point by trying too soon/too often to teach him/her not to.
Another critical (IMHO) training point -
don't attempt to train
while you are hunting.
Would also salute USMC's recommendation of the German Shorthair. Yes, there are other very good pointing brereds out there and some of them having been pointing for centuries longer than the GSH. I would still get the GSH.
Good Luck and Enjoy the Journey!