Soaping is so exciting and so much fun that I can understand wanting to try more complex methods from the start.
However, I recommend that you make a few small, simple batches and wait a bit on 3 layers and colorants. It won't be long before you can do those. It's such a help to become comfortable with the process, learn to recognize trace, know how everything works together and have it all make sense. It's laying a successful foundation to build on. A one or two pound batch with a non-accellerating fo is a super idea to start with, IMO.
Good luck with your first batch!
Eta: Are you doing CP or MP? Initially I thought it was CP.