Where do you live?
Is there a detailer nearby?
One great way to learn is to watch the pro's. I wouldn't bother with a machine polisher for a while.
If you have your car detailed, it will save you alot of hard work. They will get the car in great condition and it will be easy for you to maintain.
Your detailer will prob write u a list of products to keep the car looking great!
Once you learn the correct washing method, (2Buckets, drying, detail spray, tyre gels etc) you can then learn claying and polishing etc
Try and do some research and buy the right products first time round.
Otherwise you will end up in a years time with lots of halfords stuff that you never use!