I would love to have a workshop or something similar, not to mention the income to fill it with power tools

I'm a college student with a modest apartment, so hand tools are pretty much my only option. I think it's great to start with the basics though and build up from there. I read time and time again from the senior members to learn how to strop, nail the form down pat, and work on that for a while before attempting to hone a blade. I imagine it's to get an understanding and appreciation for the methodology behind the straight razor. It's kind of the same way with using hand tools. That's what I say at least, I drool at the thought of using a belt sander