I think it's a good idea to first start with Umbrel (or even better Citadel), get that set up and play with it for a little bit (without major or even any actual Bitcoin). It almost works like a great intro tutorial.
Then as a next step you can try installing things directly, switching to CLN, etc.
I use Raspiblitz for my node, and I connect Zeus wallet to it to spend via my node. Together, those two make for a good LN operator experience, but there's multiple ways to execute.
For nodes... depends what you want to do.
If you want to have a good routing node: use CLN
If you just want to use LN for private use, you don't need a full desktop node. Use any mobile LN nodes like Blixt, SBW, Breez, Electrum and you have more than enough.