Not sure how “serious” you are about astronomy, but you might consider a construction project. Many people do this successfully.
“Mirror Grinding and Telescope Making”
Bill’s Homemade 14.5 Inch Telescope Making Project
https://sites.google.com/site/telescope1999/
At the bottom of the page are some links to similar projects.
Another source of info is Edmond Scientific. I have several small booklets that I purchased from them years ago.
There are Star Parties that seem to center around the area of the Davis Mountains. Some of my Ham Radio friends are involved in that, but optic and RF.
bkmk for lens grinding