Knowing your Call sign might help us help you as you might be in my community and I could come help you in person
But since you do not post your call sign I have no idea
Join a Local amateur Radio club and get some hands-on experience from those in the club
By the way, HF does not have to be an expensive hobby and a 40 year plus old radio is going to have some noise issues compared to a radio with DSP noise limiting features
You have received lots of great advice from many others
