Looking to set up a dev project for IoT using micrcontrollers,etc.

[KennyIII65]

Hey all-

I am an old geek/nerd and need some "learnin'" about how to start a simple project to make wifi/bluetooth things I can run remotely (IoT).
Looking for a jump in spot.  I have a raspberry pi to start with.  I guess I'm looking for a place to start. 

Starting with test modules with a proto board.  Micro-controllers that support Bluetooth & Wifi like the ESP32, but in a "pluggable" way that handles things like step motors, limit switches, servos, etc.

Of course it has to have an IDE/SDK/SDP for developing software...  I see that depends on the MC and the build platform.

Has anyone here stepped down that path and have any recommendations or sites/groups in mind?

Thanks in advance,
Kenny H