I'm a fostering newbie like yourself, but I've gathered from friends' experiences that the process has been quite smooth for some and quite bumpy for others - it seems to vary a lot. I'm also eyeing foster-to-adopt, and from what I hear, the hardest part is actually the paperwork and regulations - there's a lot of them! But I guess that's good in ensuring the safety of the children involved.
There's a local fostering agency that has a fairly active online community, and they organized some information sessions that I plan to attend to learn more. Maybe see if there are any such info sessions or groups in your area? I'm sure there are plenty of other foster parents online and in support groups who can offer insights, especially on the legal and emotional aspects - bumps in the road are probably unavoidable, but hearing about them beforehand helps with preparation!
I'm also keeping an eye out for any specific questions you may have as we navigate this complex but meaningful journey.