You got a good list there. I would also recommend sending the razor out to get honed. While I'm sure you won't have much problem getting it right if you're patient, having a razor properly honed for you for your first few shaves saves you from asking this question:

"Is it that I don't know how to shave well enough with it yet? Or is the blade just not honed properly?"

If the blade comes honed properly, you know your answer without having to ask the question.

Most of all though, be patient and give it time. Some people (like myself) have an AMAZING first shave, while others have mediocre shaves that only get better over time. Stick with it and you'll be sure to be pleased with the results.