Getting started with Lightning is hard and the current user experience doesn't make it any easier for you. I'm currently working on https://cyberhornet.network to bring a whole new experience to running a Lightning node.

In the meantime though, I'd recommend having a look at https://lightningnetwork.plus/swaps to swap channel openings, this will give you inbound and outbound liquidity between other nodes so that payment routes can start flowing through.

In general, it's best not to close channels. Think of the money spent opening/closing so far as a learning investment. I'm sure you've learned a bunch by getting your hands dirty that will serve you well moving forward.

Keep stacking friend!