Welcome to the forums and congrats on picking up the guitar again!

I think the path you are taking is great. Amp sims have come along ways. Many of the lessons done here use them!

For what you doing now, it is perfectly fine. If you find that you hone in on a particular amp or particular effect pedals, you can go check out the "real" versions. If you find that the "real" versions sound better to you, then you can take the plunge.

This way you avoid the box of pedals you never use and an amp you aren't happy with.

I've heard recordings made by a variety of these simulations and am always amazed at the quality! Personally I'm using the Boss GT-100 at the moment and am constantly discovering new sounds and uses for them.