I went to the school of hard knocks and busted knuckles..
Learning by doing is one way to do it, just wish AF was around when i was learning. It also helped having friends who were mechanics to guide me along the way as needed and to get me out of jams you will surely run into.
However, if time and money allow, a formal automotive education can surely help especially due to the complexity of newer vehicles these days.
Do you have any adult occupational schools in the area?
You could learn a lot there and also keep the cost down.
Wyotech seems to advertise on TV during sunday motor head shows.
http://www.wyotech.edu/
Good luck..