I did what most did, stated w/ pretty much basic buildings, nothing super fancy like, 'till I became more at ease with all the parts, and yes, it is a bit daunting at first seeing all the pieces you have to work with, but as you get used to it you can suddenly see the possiblities that are open to you...
So yea, like others said, start small, then when your more up to it go slightly bigger, then bigger then that, etc