I asked myself the same thing. I think its best to start by utilizing your software experience as much as possible and having just enough hardware to get by. A

I asked myself the same thing. I think its best to start by utilizing your software experience as much as possible and having just enough hardware to get by. Also don't try to learn/solve too many problems at the same time. Most of my projects is relatively little/simple hardware + lots of features in software. For example -- one of my complicated projects requires very precise temperature measurement, precise regulation of mains AC power to 1kW heating element, dealing with PCB environment being very hot and humid (up to 80C), etc. I am splitting the effort of learning all of those things, and first thing I am building is a precise, standalone thermometer. I will build some software features (data acquisition to SD card, USB, etc.) which is relatively simple compared to getting precise temperature measurement. Then I will maybe build standalone power regulator that I could have many uses for especially when connected to the thermometer (for example control my oven to do reflow!). Once I know the building blocks I will attempt building the complex project I have in mind.