I think that's an excellent way to learn! Sometimes it's also an excellent challenge to find out just what is wrong with some guns. In the end you will always have learned something.
Also, necessity can be the encouragement to learn new things.
Having bought more than a few used guns, you quickly learn to fix problems yourself, rather than trust the work to some so-called Gunsmiths, who may have had some formal training, but little real experience with Semi-Auto Pistols, and would rather be working on someone's 1911, S&W Revolver, expensive Trap Shotgun, or high dollared high powered Rifle.
Now to be fair there are now more Pistolsmiths around now working on other regular handguns, but they are almost non-existent in my area. The nearest one that works on Tanfoglio Pistols, other than myself, is a good two hour drive away. That guy is very good, but also quite expensive. At least according to my budget.
I used to occasionally buy some handguns that the owner thought was broken beyond repair, take them home and fix them, then resell them. Tanfoglio's, one CZ, P38's, and Taurus 92's were my favorites for pickup. I will also fix AR15's and FAL's, but I don't buy them.
Bought one .45 Witness from a fella, did some minor repairs (New Manual Safety, New Extractor, Extractor Spring, Firing Pin Spring, Recoil Spring, and Magazine Springs.) and was shooting it down at the Range when the guy that sold it to me saw that it was working and wanted to buy it back. I made some $$ but I probably should have kept it. It was one of the last Blued ones imported.
Those deals are rather scarce these days but not unheard of. Could be an interesting sideline for some of you who like to tinker with things and are mechanically inclined.