the basics

1. reconsider spending good money on seeds if you can as you will probably kill a fair percentage at first and save that for once get it dialed in. at leat something to think about
2. lighting cycles- vegetative period 18 on 6 off flowering period 12 on 12 off. there are a few other variations but should start with those.
3. read...read....read.....read some more. find the middle ground as like you said everyone does things a little different and you will too. if it sounds like bs it probably is but herb is a funky plant and is capable of some odd feats.
4. ask if you dont know and cant find it anywhere there are some seriously smart bastages in here and more than likely someone will know or have and idea of where to tell you to look.