I had the same experience when starting with React. One thing I would recommend is to not use Redux. It is an advanced framework that's appropriate for large applications and teams, but will give you a headache when you're just starting out. Add it in pieces as you make your first React app.

Also, I would avoid using a boilerplate/starter project. Create-react-app should be enough. Many other boiler plate projects are filled with things you don't need when you're starting out.