What strategies have worked for you, and what should I watch out for?

@Abdi Muya - based on your long post, it seems that you're putting the cart before the horse. 

I feel that I've watched enough videos and I am continuing to read.

There is no wrong way to do this unless you aren't doing it at all OR you're harrassing peopleIf you find yourself attending a bunch of educational webinars, watching too many tutorial/training videos, or anything other than those 2 things, take some time to stop and reflect. 

Purchased new a work horse set that’s pretty basic with no electronic components runs me about $1100.

Watching the strike team go wild slapping stop work orders like crazy. 

You can watch and read all the books in the world.

part of BRRRR is sweat equity and watching things closely, and that's exactly what you can't do remotely / from Internet.you tell me - how will you not do this?

Have you watched any of the shows on YT like this?

Slope is not your friend, neither is poor access and there are many more to watch out for.