Hey, Flyboy -
The main thing is to read FSM AND practice the things you see in the articles, which are really quite good, compared to most other model mags.
I've lifted my game enormously since subscribing to the mag, done a lot of experimentation, and as a result, do a lot of contract builds. I have more work than I can fit into the time available, and haven't built a model for myself in nearly 3 years........bummer, but it helps pay the bills.
The FSM articles, with sources at the end, the advertisements in FSM and the net are all very good places to look for aftermarket detail sets. Do you have a good local hobby shop that sells that sort of thing?
Set your sights high, always.