I too was only into video games prior to purchasing a pinball machine. Here are the things I learned in the first month or so of owning my very first pinball machine. The first item will let you know how much prior experience I had.

* How to lift the playfield... We forget it's not obvious until you see it once, it takes 8 steps!
* How to clean and wax a playfield (specifically what to use and what not to use)
* How to clean metal parts
* How to troubleshoot and repair cold solder joints on a lightboard
* How to replace bulbs (GI and inserts) - and the level of filth they accumulate!
* How to replace rubbers (i.e., how to tear apart a playfield)
* How to repair playfield damage, i.e., install a Cliffy
* How to repair a shaker motor that shook itself apart
* How to replace a playfield switch in the most difficult location possible
* How to repair playfield mounts that came lose, ultimately being the cause of the afore-mentioned switch
* How to replace an outgassed DMD
* Finally: how much time and money is really involved in a thorough shop job, none of which was expected when I bought it, yet set the standard by which I gauged value of all future purchases.

The advice from a friend prior to the purchase was prescient, yet understated: If know how to use a screwdriver you can fix a pinball machine.