React dev thinking about trying Angular? That's new. I'd stick with it.
Maybe try building a standalone React app (separate repository, with Node SSR), check out Next.js, mobx-state-tree, Jest, styled-components... There's so much to learn : )
Maybe check out www.toptal.com. Depends on where you're located though, as from what I gathered their rates are not that competitive for a US based developer. Being from Eastern Europe those rates look golden though
State is local props, props are from parent. How can that concept be "complex" to someone is beyond me.