I've caught the bug in a bad way to jump on straight razor shaving. I wanted to get a few opinions before I make the move though.

First a little background. I got on the DE train a few years ago then off again. I never developed good technique, or lathering skills. The relative ease of using canned goo and multi blade abortions saved me time. Plus being an idiot I dropped my badger brush in the toilet and decided it was time for a new brush. Time is important because I work graveyards, sleep until the last possible minute, and must be (relatively) clean shaven as part of my job. Recently I purchased a refill pack for my Mach3 and decided it was time to get back on the train. Anyone priced those recently? Mach3 refills are UNBELIEVABLY HIGH compared to DE blades. Committed, and determined I was going to make using a DE work for me even if I had to get up a little early. I have an Omega Boar brush, and some tubs of TGQ cream. I've been using "Kyle's Prep" as listed on another forum. Lather is coming around, but technique is slower to get the hang of for me. When I jumped on another popular wet shaving forum I browsed the straight razor sub-forum and was bitten by the bug for straights. I found this forum, and began to read. I have really enjoyed the Noob Chronicles by jdto. With getting hitched tomorrow, and heading up to Alaska afterwards I'm looking at purchasing equipment for straight razor shaving sometime in the beginning of August.

My questions are:
1) Would it be advisable to get a firm grasp on wet shaving with a DE prior to making the jump?
Best I can tell the prep, and post shave for wet shaving carry over from DE to Straight Razor Shaving. I could eliminate some of the learning curve with lather, pre and post shave routine before placing sharp hunks of steel on my face. Also blade angle and pressure are the similar in theory I believe. And with DE shaving being referred to as "quicker" especially for new guys I'd have the skill if I got into a time crunch.

2) One of the best deals out there for starters seems to be the whippeddog sight un seen buy correct? Provided nothing pops up on the classifieds section here. I'm not looking for style yet just function.

3) Should I go with more then 1 possibly 2 or 3 shave ready razors?
Seems I'm sure to dull a razor between shaving and learning to strop. In that circumstance I'd have one to fall back on, or possibly a third to use sparingly to see how my edge is holding. They will probably have to be bought separately but is that a good "stable" quantity to shoot for?

4) I'm having a hard time understanding the difference between paddle and hanging strops for function/ease of use purposes. Add that with the stropping paste, different leathers, linens etc it's all confusing. (I completely understand if I'm told to read more post less regarding this question. Admittedly I haven't put the time into strop research as I have technique and razors.)

Any advice is greatly appreciated,
Matt