Any one can learn from their mistakes. You are steps ahead if you can learn from other peoples mistakes.
My mistakes? A couple straights I could do without because they really aren't worth restoring.
I haven't purchased a new modern straight razor, kind of out of my price range. I have spent near two hundred bucks over several months buying vintage razors. Now that I've calmed down and look at the unit before I rashly purchase I've got some nice ones. Just got a Clauss for $10. Paid twenty for a Morley, my aunt gave me a Wade & Butcher. Couple D.E. razors for dirt cheap - a 1959 Gillette FatBoy.
My point is that if you get a razor that IS shave ready your foot's in the door. Next thing you know you need storage space for soaps, cremes, aftershaves, brushes. And multiple razors. If you are enjoying your straight, start reading up about how to use your strop. And open your mind to honing. At some point you'll have a Not Shave Ready that you will want to attempt sharpening.
My first shave ready was a WhippedDog. It's not pretty, but for a hundred year old tool it still works well.