It has been a LONG time since I've ran electric (last time we used scr's and 27 turn stock brushed motors).
Is there any advise out there for someone trying to learn about lipo's and chargers and brushless esc's and motors- like what's best, what's different, what's similar... Etc.

If you're up on lipo properties (voltages, C rating, that kind of thing), I'm not aware of any online reference comparing across the range of equip options. Just do like I did, jump in, do a lot of reading and ask questions. It'll seem overwhelming and confusing at 1st, but you'll start to understand and it will eventually become less confusing.

Ask specific ques at points when things need clearing up.

Are there any specific websites that offer good information? What about publications, etc?

There are no decent publications or palces to get info on this stuff. Part of the problem is that now there are a LOT of companies making this stuff.
There used to be literally a handful of companies making gear, and the technology just plodded along. Now with the asians able to make the same gear, all manufacturers are charging ahead trying to out-do each other in statistics.

I have read dozens of websites and forums when looking to get into Lipo and Brushless over the last year, and have found two inescapable truth's:
1. You can't beat talking to people who ACTUALLY USE the products you are looking at. And you can't just rely on one persons opinion.
2. You get what you pay for. The big RC names charge a premium for their gear. Some of it is label, but a lot is proven experience and research.

Don't under-estimate number 2. I'm all for costs coming down, but what you need to remember is that some (not all) of the Chinese companies do no research. They reverse engineer products and emulate them, often with inferior materials.

In saying that, I used a Hobby Wing brushless motor for months, no problem. Another guy at the club had one go 2nd time out. That's why the last part of my point 1 is important