Welcome to a new life. I agree about kits, I am also new at tying and did the kit route. Found the material kinda ok but vise was not good. I did what you are
doing, go to the fly shop ask questions and also connected with another forum as well as this one, took a short class at fly tying Expo here in Oregon.
I also bought "Fly tying made clear and simple" and the video by Skip Morris. I also use the internet to learn and see stuff when
people are talking about stuff I don't understand.
I also agree that a few materials for the flies you want is a better way to get started.
Above all else be kind to yourself and know that we will never know it all.

Doug