Tried to get into the series several times and could never do it, any advice on what mods I should be using to make my experience a little better and more updated?

here a list that i think will help: project Nevada, EVE, Asurah animation pack, Solid project, ENBs (any type you want there a lot), Lots of weapon mods or pack (i dont have time to name them all), Weather mods, NMC texture pack (most basic texture pack), if you got a good pc i think you can run this kind of modding i personally dont use ENBs

Well YUP and Enhanced blood textures are the definite bases. All the mods listed above are good. But I think to really get into New Vegas, you gotta get into Roleplay in general. Just set rules that your char is forced to stick by, also no save scumming.

I think you need BLEED mod, and Unforgiving Combat is necessary for difficulty. NPCs can miss mod is great as well

yeah i forgot about those mods even though i got them install stupid me

Play some NV Bounties ( https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/37310 ) it will ad a lot of fun to the game.