Yep, you can't build experience without trying something - and if mistakes are made, so be it- we all learn from our mistakes! And it's better to make mistakes on an old, relatively inexpensive, basic kit, than really mess up a modern, 'hi-tech', expensive kit.
The main thing, before even cutting parts from the sprues, is to inspect every part, look for any problem or tricky areas, plan the build, and prepare everything thoroughly - that's seam removal, parts clean-up, check fit, eliminate joints and seams, everything possible to make for a smooth, clean model before paint is applied.
There's always a desire to 'bash on' quickly, to see the finished product.
This only leads to a less than perfect model so, before anything is done, the main requirement is patience - in bulk, family-sized, packs!!