i know I could use bundles of tips.

Dee- ask away - if I can help you in any way don't hesitate to ask - check out my gallery and see if there's anything there you like I'll be more than happy to tell you how I did it

Dee, I'm also new to this, so I can appreciate your willingness to ask questions. I've been reading a lot through these forums and have already learned quite a bit. I have spent tons of time looking for good wb stores because I don't have to much locally (I forgot the acronym I'm supposed to use) Try this store though, it's pretty good, at least for this newbie,
www.greatmodels.com

actually, i have some things picked out at www.internethobbies.com

i was comparing prices between internethobbies and greatmodels. Greatmodels has consistently better prices by anywhere from a dollar to 5+ bucks.

i was about to make a purchase at internethobbies, think I'll go to greatmodels unless i can find even better prices. I want to get a feel for making different types of models and was thinking of getting something like

an airplane
a tank
figures
jeep or antitank/flak gun

what special things should I do before, during and after the application of water slide decals?

Another thing I didn't see mentioned about CA is the ability to use Accelerator and debonder(flashback). The accelerator sprays on and instantly cures the CA. Debonder can be a life saver in some cases.
As for buying supplies I go to my local hobby shop but do an incredible amount of mailorder.
Also, If you just starting out you need to read. A lot. Raraties by Mig Jimenez is a awesome for techniques. Also, How to build dioramas by Shepard Paine is great for a bit of history (many of the tech are still useful today). Also, monthly mags such as AFV Modeller or Xtreme Modeller. My basic point is READ as much as you can. .
Good luck.

what makes a profipack (eduards models) different?

Boy, these forums slow down. I don't want to keep bumping, but I wonder if I'll get anymore responses without it.

Read as much as you can -then ask specific questions - for instance what do you need to know about water slide decals -specifically?

I was wondering if there were any generic tips as to how to put them on without them ripping. (I think maybe I need just more practice), but how can you make them look seamless on the model? Do you need a setting or prep substance?