Replying to Advice for a someone just getting into rails/park

Hey guys! So for a number of reasons, I haven't been able to get into the terrain park at all or try out park skiing until this season. I just built a summer set up in my backyard and I've actually been able to hit the entire rail a few times, but the progress is slow. So to the Newschoolers community, I've got some questions:

1) How long does it take to be decent at park skiing? (Being able to hit rails all directions, getting used to jumps, etc)

2) What's your best advice for getting good at rails?

3) What are things that I should avoid doing that might hinder my progression?

Any other advice is much appreciated!