Part of learning is doing research, but isn't part of learning asking questions too? It is helpful if you do read up on the forums first so you can ask more key questions but we all started somewhere. So keep up on your research, look at other forums, get books etc. and keep asking questions.
I haven't had much mechanical experience but I have found out that one can only learn so much from research but there comes a point where you just need to dive in and go for it. A lot of my research I have realized I find a lot of people's opinions and that's just it, their opinions. They say what either has worked best for them or what they THINK works... so it makes research difficult. Also, if you search hard enough, you will find a product "everyone" says is great, there is always someone who thinks otherwise...
I learn best by doing but the research helps with knowing what works and what doesn't. In the end, this is going to be done for you and your alone, so go with that YOU like and not what others say you should do (unless it is the direction you are going, that could be helpful).
So keep asking questions and hopefully the right people will respond and give you the answers you need.
Good luck with the build!
-Kurtis