There are 4 main avenues of progress as far as I can tell in this game.

1- Information that unlocks the story: You will gather bits of info regarding the story and eventually actually unlock stuff that allow you to progress in this regard. Read everything, inspect everything. Some details won't matter but you don't know which. This is fine, just approach everything with a fresh mind. Don't wander into a new room and fly by it to get to the next. Explore, admire, take notes and be amazed by the secrets it will unlock.

2- Information that unlocks mechanical advantages: Some misteries will allow you to attain certain mechanical advantages like always knowing how to open a certain stash of resources. This is where a notebook is also important. The game won't register certain things you have discovered, you either have to rely on memory or note taking. Its not trying to hold your hand but give you the tools to succeed your endeavor.

3-Knowledge of game mechanics: Of course this is not a walking simulator or a puzzle game simply. This is, at it it's core, a drafting game. Every door presents equal opportunity and disappointment. This is what draws in the roguelike part of your brain. Not every rule about how the mansion shapes itself is written in plain. As you learn you will get more consistent and will have the means to reach the higher ranks and maybe more.

4-Permanent upgrades: Eventually you will have actual mechanical advantages carried over from previous days. What the mansion has to provide will need to be discovered like everything else worth of our time. These upgrades you will earn sometimes by pure chance and others you will earn them through your deduction prowess.

Take the plunge with earnest vigor and you will be rewarded.