I think it's too late.
I have stuff on order...
LOL
I know exactly what your going through, have been thinking about getting a hive for years. A member on a hunting forum Im on started a thread about getting into beekeeping, that was about 3 weeks ago. I installed a nuc in my first hive Monday, Sat I'm off to pick up 2 more from another member of the same forum.
Have found everyone more than helpful so far, the beek I picked up from a few days ago spent an hour or so going through things with me, more than happy to take calls to help me if I have any questions/problems and recommended I take pics and send them to him if Im unsure about anything. Set me at ease a little more when he said that most new keepers that struggle are people that have never owned more than a goldfish or cat. In his opinion most people who have experience with livestock pick it up reasonably quickly, just like cattle or sheep they need feed, water and shelter to survive. The better the quality of these the better they do, disease and pests are obviously different but the principals are the same. Recognising when something is wrong and taking action to correct it.
With the 2 nucs Im picking up Sat I will be spending a few hours going through hives before hand. A few hours travel from home and have even been offered a bed for the night if I don't feel like driving home in the dark. I'm short a base board and lid to set up a third hive. Being a few hundred km from the nearest supplier they are purchasing new for me this week so we can install the nucs before I transport them home.
Enjoy the journey Milo, I certainly am.