Alright so I'm dead set on ditching modern shaving options and going with the tried and true. I'm completely ignorant to this entire world aside from what I've already read and learned by lurking these forums, Wikipedia and some other resources. I have some suggestions already (kudos to commiecat for helping me out via e-mail), but the more the merrier. My budget is $250 (but I'd like to stay closer to $200) for the razor, a strop and brush. Some things I'm wondering:

-What size/type razor should I shoot for? I think something vintage would be cool but if I'd be better off starting with something new, I will.
-Badger hair vs boar hair for the brush?
-Do I need a whetstone?
-What to lather with? I was leaning toward soaps, but there's hard water here and I understand it can be difficult figuring out how to work that out in the beginning.
-What is the deal with pre-shave oil? Does anybody here use it? Does it help?

Thanks!