If it makes you feel any better I didn't just start growing, I did a stupid amount of reading, research and watching videos (about 6 months spent learning about lights, mediums, different methods, etc.) first to build my grow light and room setup and then additional research for actually growing. I also was not cheap about it (which I noticed a lot of new growers look for shortcuts that I think cost them in the end). I invested a decent amount of cash for everything that I would need to be successful.
I strongly believe you get out what you put in.