I think you have the right mindset, you don't need that much to start hacking digital electronics. Analog is harder for programmers because there is less skill

I think you have the right mindset, you don't need that much to start hacking digital electronics. Analog is harder for programmers because there is less skill overlap but simple hacks can't be that hard if you are willing to do it. What always frustrated me with electronics was material considerations. You need all sorts of stuff, like a good soldering iron, oscilloscope, hot air station, magnifying glass/microscope, all sorts of wires, basic components, lab power supply, multimeters, probes, prototyping boards, etc... For programming, you just need a computer, but for electronics, you also need one. It is not just expensive, in fact it is not that expensive for a full startup kit, thank you China. But what you also need is space, if you don't have a dedicated room for your workshop (i.e. not your bedroom or living room) it is going to be really annoying real quick. You need a bench to put all your stuff, and also enough space to store all the crap you will either repair or cannibalize part from. It also makes moving more difficult. While it is not an absolute necessity, and there are things like hackerspaces, but there is a barrier that is not present when you are just working with computers.