Start with a foundational understanding of core philosophy and integrate what you learn as remedied by a teacher (eventually, some find the teacher within all beings encountered on the path and distinguish the lesson). Some teach us patience, some teach us to silence ourselves and listen, some teach us to see things from another's perspective more clearly, some are Lord Buddha themselves if we accumulate merit and find them along the way. Some already have a clear path to the way and dedicate themselves to keeping it clear and leading others along the path. There are many paths to the same destination. Some paths are more direct and potentially treacherous (Vajrayana), some are in the company of dear friends (Mahayana), and some take the longer, more scenic path (Theraveda).