Brian, that's the thing about doing it all at home..... you really have to be able to switch hats and do the job that is required at the time.

Engineer, producer, writer, artist..... and all pretty much at or about the same time. A juggling act, but not impossible.

Learn from the studio and ask questions. Of course, having the gear that the studio has also kinda helps too.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.