Find an old laptop. Install TrueNAS community edition. Read about containerized server apps. There are alternatives like Mint if you still want to have and learn a desktop experience. Read online blogs. Ask here if any further questions arise. Avoid dual booting until you are comfortable with installing an OS and handling grub.
The Linux Experiment, has been going for over 7 years now. But it was one guy’s journey into Linux. Be wary he transitioned to full time Linux YouTuber/influencer nowadays, with way less emphasis on the transition and more on the overall news on the FLOSS scene. The content has their dips and highs, and he does have some clickbait opinions from time to time.