I now think "overwhelmed" might not have been the proper word to use for this question - but it seems like mostly "experienced" people have answered it.
but - if I was a beginner - and knew nothing about this -
I would find all the conflicting advice and opinions about "the right way" on "how to" - confusing.
What is really needed? I sure have acquired a lot of "stuff" that I don't use now.
Is the biggest, most expensive, "best" item (sewing machine, die cutter, long-arm, iron - whatever ) really practical for what one will actually do with it?
How many books/patterns will actually be used?
How much "stash" is it practical/wise to acquire? Or is it better to buy"as needed" for a project?
For me, most of these questions are answered with hindsight. Ah, well. Learn and live.