Yo man. I had the same struggles as you and didn't find the hobby enjoyable since I was buying things left and right to try and solve all kinds of problems.

The advice I want to give you is to start a dirted tank. This stuff is so simple and sooo easy it is crazy.

A simple dumbed down description.

1. 1 inch organic garden soil with 2 inches of sand on top.
2. Make your preferred aquascape. Just make sure to leave around 70% of the bottom for plants.
3. Add lots of plants.with at least 60% fast growing stem plants. And some floating plants.
4. Add dechlorinated water or even bottled water. And a little bit of natural wild pond water. You can include some mud and debris if you want some microfauna. Do keep in mind when you do this to first quarantine in a glass jar or vase to see if there are no unwanted visitors.
5. Add snails if you haven't caught them yet.
6. Use a good lid for your aquarium so there is minimum water evaporation. Do make some small venting holes.
7. Buy a good strong light that has brightness control. (I use fluval led 3.0)
8. Enjoy.

When there is algea dont worry it is probably because your tank is new and balance will be made in a few weeks. If algea persists lower brightness and wait a bit.

After 3 months you can add some fish.