@Nicholas_Landy. I did look you up in Facebook based on the information you posted publicly here, and there...
Everybody has to learn someplace - but you look like a road racer. You may want to focus on group rides and then finding a road race.
Doing crits is great learning, but likely won't maximize you fitness, build, composition. Get into races with hills and hopefully not overly technical to start.
The guys at Frazier cycling would want to meet you.