Growing up, my Dad was the one that taught me the basic ideas of taking things apart and putting them back, my Grandpa also taught me some things, between the two they are also the reason I understand wiring and circuits too. My dad was always the type that when something broke or quit working, he would fix it rather than having other people do it, and I loved helping out, which ended up helping me a lot I think. I;ve also always been more mechanically inclined as well, not everyone has it come as naturally to them, to many its something you have to learn, my boss is a good example of this.
Keep being patient, make sure you have a set of really good screw drivers (this is the best way to prevent stripping the heads off), also take kirbykid63's advice and get the impact driver, they are worth every penny when it comes to stuck screws, and they aren't all that pricey either. And always ask questions when you're stuck, the only reason others know the answer is because we learned it form someone else, or the hard way ourselves. I can only speak for myself in saying that over the 10 years of working in a vacuum store (and the many that I fixed at home before I was old enough to have a real job) I've learned more than you could imagine, yet I still regularly have to ask questions of other people on various things. Also remember that not all of my repairs go right, mistakes happen, and already weak parts can break when you take them apart. Naturally the projects you see here have come out right, but I know each person on here has and will have things go wrong.
Another good source of information and repair tips is to go to a convention, there are usually a couple repair clinics, and you can always bring something thats got you completely frustrated for advice and help. Also, see if you can find a friendly vac shop in your area, one where you can always feel comfortable asking questions, watching, and learning. Most seem to enjoy the idea that someone younger not only cares about this all, but actually enjoys this stuff. Of course there will be some that won't give you the time of day, but go around and talk to them and see. If you can find one, esp. an older guy this done this a long time, you will have found yourself a gold mine of knowledge.
