Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby! If you plan to only have fish for a while and don't mind the sound of water, yes, you can use a HOB filter, an inexpensive (possibly even freshwater-marketed) light, and some dry or live rock. I'd also add a heater and a thermometer to the must haves, and possibly a powerhead to add some additional movement to the water. Depending on the type of fish you want to get, sand may be optional, as you'll see in the forums. In my limited experience, fish only use the light to decide whether it is time to swim around and eat, or go to sleep. I've successfully grown easier corals (neon green candy canes, zoas, favia, stylo, etc) with a relatively inexpensive Current Orbit Marine Pro. But if you want SPS at some point, or some of the more sensitive corals, you'll definitely need better lighting.
edit: I should have added a refractometer and a good test kit to the list of must haves...