Congratulations on your first shave
I am by no means an expert SR-shaver but here are my comments on your observations:
1) My hand/wrist partially blocks my view of the area just below my side burn, not sure how to change that so I tried to just go by feel
Happens to me too, and I too go just by feel. I'm pretty sure that's how everyone does it :P

2) Little short strokes seem easier and more effective than long ones...wow, I'm finding describing shaving similar to golf, it seems impossible to avoid sexual innuendo, so I'm not even going to try
Yep, same here. I use the same kind of strokes even with my single edge razors and my double edge razors. It's just better (in my opinion

3) Upper lip area wasn't as difficult to shave as I thought it was going to be with the exception of the two little areas immediately below my nostrils, not sure what to do there, but I'm sure with practice and more confidence it will become easier/more apparent what to do...I hope
I go for an heuristic approach: I shave WTG, XTG Left to Right and then XTG Right to left. It's because my upper lip is too sensitive and the ATG stroke would just burn my lip. My best advice here would be: shave as close as you can but only if it's comfortable.

4) As I was shaving, I was wondering if I need to try to keep the blade wet(with water) all the time and how often I need to rinse shaving cream/stubble off both sides of blade
I think you don't. The lather should provide enough cushion and preparation to your face, also the water just runs from your blade anyways so it's almost impossible to keep the blade wet :P

5) After my first pass going down side burn area, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't very close at all, it's like my stout facial hair was fighting back, they put up a pretty good fight
In my experience, SR need a much more advanced technique than any other razor, My first time I expected to have the same results I get with my Merkur HD... and., just like you, I was disappointed to see a lot of hairs sprinkled all over my face. It was just technique and practice maketh master Wouldn't hurt to make sure the razor is properly honed (dull blades could go from hair pulling to gliding over your skin like a spoon)

5a) I did 3 passes below the side burn area and it's not quite baby butt smooth but pretty close
Same results here. I can't say if it's the razor (I feel it's sharp enough, no pulling nor discomfort) or it's just how I shave, but yeah... I get really close but not as close as I do with my safety (and boy have I read plenty of opinions on which one should be sharper... I gave up trying to find out)

6) Less blood than I thought (mostly between lower lip and chin area which I really had no business attacking(?) on my first shave /envy Mine wasn't so good... didn't had much blood but my face was as red as a smoked pork chop

6a) Under lip chin area quite difficult, not sure what else to say, I did not do anything of much use down there with my straight razor As I said, get as close as you can without feeling discomfort. Some times you just can't archive BBS on all your face (I know I cant on my upper lip and my neck)

7) Made sure to use left hand on left side...it wasn't too bad but I am very right handed so I really had to concentrate and my left hand shaves slower than the right for now...
Practice maketh master. Try very slow and short strokes and try to mimic your right hand-leftside. If all fails, use your right hand and just keep practicing. Remember this: it's better to have a comfortable and secure grip than to drop the razor on the sink because you're a duffus with your other hand (happened to me, I almost cry)

8) It was awkward to find a good hand position on either side while trying to shave my neck area
I ALWAYS have trouble with my neck, I guess we both have to watch a couple more videos (ShaveTheMan has a nice repertoire)

9) Adams apple! Well, mine is excessively 3 dimensional and almost sharp...I have to hold a "swallow" if you know what I mean, to move it out of the way to shave in that particular area. I was really praying I wouldn't get the yips (otherwise known as twitches, staggers, jitters and jerks) while shaving around the Mt. Everest of Adams apples. I didn't luckily.

Damn... can't help you here, mine is small. I would suggest to keep a disposable at hand if things turn to be too difficult.

10) I'm not sure with stropping how much pressure to apply. What I think I know is drag the spine first and roll it over on the spine for each pass. The strop is a little wider than the blade so that makes it easier, I think, so I can just make a bunch of straight passes and get the whole thing. I realize the blade needs to make some contact with the strop otherwise it wouldn't be doing anything (re-aligning the blade?) at all. I'm just not sure how much pressure to apply.
I've found that the trick is to do slooooooooow strokes at first. This helps me to make sure the blade is in touch with the leather and also this helps me control the pressure. In my specific case, speed == pressure == dull blade. Also, my strop is in fact an old belt that had a super soft side (maybe 1.5 inches (3.75cm) long) so I have to do the X strokes anyways, closely look at the edge and see if it touches the leather in all it's (edge) length and if not, try an X stroke, that way it's almost sure the whole edge will be caressed by the leather.
Regarding pressure: As little as possible. Basically, just the resultant pressure of the razor's own weight. That's why I recommend slow strokes, this way you can *feel* it and *see* it and do micromovements with ease.

11) I can't wait to try it again tomorrow morning...I swear, starting that first pass was like standing in the tee-box for the first time with driver in hand and people waiting behind me and just hoping I didn't completely whiff at the ball. I'm glad that's over with and I will surely continue to take it slow but it won't be quite as nerve racking next time.
I know the feeling hahaha. Just keep a disposable at hand. If the razor or your skin are not in the best of states then chances are you will get a red face so just keep that in mind and have the disposable fix whatever needs to be fixed. and NEVER GET DISCOURAGED.
We are here to help you clear any doubt you might have. So never give up, the only ones who never learn how to use a straight are those who give up.

Cheers and let us know how your next shave goes.