Nice, what's your name on Instagram? Yes, I'm with you when it comes to repainting HotToys figures. That's why I start small and cheap until my skills are good enough to go bigger (6") or so. A friend of mine used to repaint Clone Troopers by Sideshow when they were still affordable (40 bucks used or so).
I remember when Plo Koon and Ki-Adi Mundi from Sideshow were 69.90€ in my local Comic Shop. The Rebel Fleet Trooper was only 59.90€. Still too much for my pocket money.
I'm looking forward to seeing where your passion for customizing takes you!