Don’t listen to the quitter, minerals will always balance around what players feel its worth time wise so no matter what ccp does there will always be a decent way to make isk while doing that activity.
So I would make a spread sheet a simple one that gives rough estimates look for the type of ore you want the most look where it is and make a plan, it will be a lot more rewarding finding your own way than someone telling you.
P.s. Low sec/ Npc null are very easy to solo live in and even easier if you join a corp for it, poch is a bit tricky but very rewarding in cheap ship’s.
But yea get something super cheap that you can loose 20 of and not blink an eye and go test the waters.