I think it's just that I want that analogue synths feel and experience without having to buy the hardware until I know wtf I'm doing

Using modular isn't about that "analogue feel" but about a paradigm to patching and building bespoke synths from the block level.

If you want analogue feel, get a simple 1 oscillator VST that replicates something like an SH-101 (the TAL version is cheap enough and a great plugin). It's interface is simple and nothing is hidden in menus then you can watch untold videos sitting how to get more out of it.

Then move up to simple 2 or 3 oscillator synths that replicate the Prophet 5 (2 osc) or the Mini Moog (3 osc but monophonic).

I was in the same position a few years ago. I ended up buying a monosynth and regretting it because I didn't really know what I wanted out of having a synth except making cool noises and twisting knobs. Eventually I got turned on to VCV Rack and learned about the basic components of synths from Omri and Hainbach while being able to experiment with the modules on my own. If you follow the Omri tutorials you will learn a ton. I'm still learning new things all the time but I can open the software and begin to design new sounds and entire pieces that play themselves.

I already had some music theory education in the form of two years of guitar lessons and having some knowledge of radio technology that overlaps with synths. Modulation and oscillation aren't exactly hard to grasp so I don't think my background made it that much easier for me.

You should go for it! I'll edit this with the specific video I followed.

Edit: I remembered wrong. I watched this series first https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9Em_H8Xs_al-r_90xYiuiz-3N8HZyf_

After that I started following along Omri tutorials. I think it was the one mentioned in this short intro video but now its on patreon or something now. Its free thogub ao thats cool. https://youtu.be/eIM8COc_2jw

At that point I went crazy into it, watching every video in his channel that looks interesting. He's posted so much in the time since I've last checked and now I think I'm going to have to dive back in to all that.

Yeah than you are definitely out of your depth with something as complex as VCV lol. And btw hardware is quite cheap anyway, it all depends on what you want to do with it: Behringer makes some excellent entry-level synths that aren't too overpriced. The KORG Volca series, while looking like toys, are indeed powerful instruments. I'd recommend you get your hands dirty on something real first!