Hey Kevin: Where are you located? I have a great friend who has dozens of hives and really knows the business. Another one with hundreds of hives. And the father of a poster here (PIB) who has thousands of them...you have a rich community of beekeepers at your disposal.
I do not know if they are still doing it, but CARE used to have FREE beekeeping classes out in the Feria Ganadera...
You are on the right track...
HB