Ok. Then I’d try to take it step by step with information online. As you get more familiar with the topic you might get a better sense of what is important and what isn’t. And have small conversations with collectors, hi-fi stores, record stores if you get the chance.

The first thing I’d do is search the internet for “{record player brand and model} tone arm adjustment” (example Marantz 6150 tone arm adjustment) and see if you find good information.

Best superpower: having a batcave - if you work in the fertiliser industry

Worst superpower: having a batcave - if you don’t work in the fertiliser industry

It shouldn’t be necessary to clean much as long as the records are stored in their sleeves, don’t touch the record sides, and so forth.

I wouldn’t say that vinyl is fragile, but it definitely pays to take care of the records.

Tone arm adjustment is possible on a lot of record players and will make a big difference. Different pickups has different requirements for the weight on the needle. On my record player this is adjusted by a counterweight on the tone arm. Is there a local hifi-/record-shop where you can talk to someone about this?

Check to see if Qobuz has a web player. That could be a possible way to use it on Linux.

The issue with the record player sounds like it could be an issue with the arm adjustment. I specifically suspect too little weight on the needle. But be careful with adjustments as too much weight on the needle could damage both needle and record.