I would just take your time and enjoy picking things up as they come. Buy flash carts so you can play what you want but still go out and hunt going flea markets, thrift stores, etc if that brings you joy. A few years ago whenever I went out hunting I would get really upset because I wasn't finding anything, it took the fun out of it. I had to reevaluate my joy of going out hunting was- and it was just getting out and going and looking. Now I don't expect to find anything, and if I go home empty handed I don't mind at all because I took my time looking and had fun. Prices are hard to take in for anyone that has been collecting for a long time, but the good thing is there is no timetable and there is no pressure. Take your time and enjoy the ride.
A couple other things- I don't think a small collection is bad, as there is a burden of a large collection due to the space and value of it all. A second thing- I see people recommending collecting new consoles, but if you don't care about those don't fall into that, just collect what you want and enjoy.