First welcome to SRP.

The questions asked are good ones that most of us had starting out. The best answer I can give you is read and read about everything. With a list like yours you are going to get bare bones answer where when you read through old post you get a more in depth idea of what is all involved in straight shaving. Which is a lot more then what you are use to.

What I would suggest doing is going to Walmart and buying the Shea moisture shave brush and a puck of vdh deluxe shave soap. Learn how to use these two things while still using your cart razor. You will see an improvement in your shaves just with that.

Then read and start applying things you are reading to your cart shave. Then once you have all your questions about straights answered you will be in a good position to start if you want to.

If not you already improved your shave