Getting blockchain tech help

This post comes after much disappointment on the web over the last week. I am learning the tech behind blockchains for well over an year now. But over time, getting hold of resources and opinions on the internet has become exponentially difficult.

All my google searches related to blockchains always end up in Ads and posts about an upcoming ICO and their (usually) crappy whitepapers.

I am specifically trying to understand how to set up a blockchain from scratch and get my hands dirty. I have also been trying to work up some back-of-the envelop math that i’d want to experiment with.

I have been at a loss to find good resources that point me to good discussions or posts or people who can (and are willing to) help.

I want to understand the basics of what needs to go into writing a white paper. What are the current approaches to get some adoption for testing out a blockchain other than firing up ads of ICOs all over the web?

I want to test out some experimental features that i can’t implement on Ethereum/Bitcoin. :(

Any, really any, kind of help here is genuinely appreciated! Would love to have a discussion here over comments or DMs !