1st grow, think Ive done my hw...

[Rusty Trichome]

I was planning to go with soil... I know some swear by hydro but Id rather not throw that into the equation as well.

I much prefer soil. Easier, more forgiving, and much easier to move around. This is important to me since I veg indoors, and flower in an outdoor shed.

I was hopping to fit 20 pots in for veg and pray 16 survive for flower

About half of those will be male, unless purchasing femmed seeds. If that's the case, you better hope you get things right. Quality beans can get expensive.
Usually, it's best to learn to grow, before you attempt to grow on a quasi-commercial scale, but good luck.