This was my first kickstarter but I own 30+ board games (Which isn't a lot considering some people I know the professional board game designer is the worst). My best advise is rulebooks I wont buy anything without knowing how the game works first and more importantly if my wife and I would enjoy it.
We've made a few mistakes on impulse buys with Arkham Horror (I like it my, wife hates it) and Firefly (not enough player interaction). But Ive gotten to the point where I can read most things and go yup thats worth having. But learning what you like and don't like takes time.