I walk a significant amount of distance. The highlight of the week is a UK English countryside walk 7km to 14km. The longer walks being in the summer. Those walks with friends normally result in some inspiration for a musical next step experiment.

The 2600 really is one of the most affordable modular synths. And back in time it was the affordable option for many bands. Even Elton John used one, before he sold out to popularity.
I made a popular Berlin School release using my Blue Marvin.
americanastromonkeyproject.bandcamp.com/album/parano...

I very rarely buy US modular products because our UK import taxes increases the cost by 30% and that's not including the delivery.
I have the Make Noise Maths after watching an exchange rate change which fell in my favour.

Start using VCV Rack. But I recommend looking at what the pioneers Tangerine Dream and others such as Klaus Schulze, John Foxx did. Effects such as delay and reverb are essential. If only to glue the mix together. But for Berlin School a dotted 8th delay is near essential.

Look to purchase some UK modular components. I will definitely recommend Expert Sleepers and ALM Busy Circuits. There are others. Our Trump tariff is minimal. 🙏

Just get to it Maestro. I now have a significant Eurorack hardware setup. But I do produce releases using the free version of VCV Rack, and also using Voltage Modular by Cherry Audio.