No worries JV. You raise good questions.
If possible - First the cats is caged until they seem completely relaxed - a few days. Then opened to a single room until again relaxed - couple weeks. Then opened to the whole house/barn for a while. Etc.
At each stage they will start by cautiously exploring. Eventually thay will act like lords-of-the-manner, with great arrogance - very relaxed and in control of their space. Then you open further exploration to them.
At all times, they need to feel safe with their original space, so they can return to it. Later, when they are free to roam, they will pick new "throne rooms" - their primary hang-out space/area.
Females are much more territorial than males, and will kick they offspring out after 6 months or so. Their territory could be 1 side of the house, while another female has the other side.
Males are less territorial, but wander more, and often leave entirely within a few months.
I prefer females as they stick around, and don't spray to mark territory, and are quieter. Loud spraying males around my place ... well ... anyways, I don't care for them.
All my cats are outdoors only and half wild - but they like me, and LOVE my wife.