I am not familiar with this, but it sounds interesting. Though I can see why it would be frustrating.

If you were to do something, like build something, would it still be there how you left it when you enter the dream again? Or does the dream world reset itself?

I think working on small control things sounds like a good idea. You could treat it like learning magic, or telekinesis. Even if it's difficult, it should be possible to learn in the dream.