Trying to figure this out is driving me crazy

Hmm, I would suggest you to google UE4 material shaders tutorials and watch everything. Specifically for your case I dont think there is something on internet about that. What are you struggling to do? I can help you if you have something specific you cannot find on internet.

Edit: This guy have very nice tutorials - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzy…TrEh1ZA/videos
Here are some videos from his: