I am so happy to get all these responses! All of the resources look interesting!! I am going to start with Richard Hamming's The Art of Doing Science & Engineering. It looks to be something to get started.

I have been wondering this question ever since, I wish I had reached out to request help earlier. I am glad I did, nonetheless. I am 26, hope there is a lot more to learn, apply & build.

I am grateful to the universe (and the internet/hackernews). Thank you :)