I wish you the best with your interest Mate!
I do some programming in C++ myself. That's one reason I switched to 010 Editor.
It allows programming a type of C to write scripts and templates for 010.
That saves doing things by hand all the time when working with known file structures. AND aids greatly when trying to learn a new file structure.
Give me a few days to go through my old DVD's to see what I still have.
If you want some more 'high brow' talking about Hexing SH3?
Search for Animations in the SH3 Mod Shop!