G'day Jack, welcome to the forum mate, only wish it could have been under better circumstances.
Most of your questions seem to have been answered but that doesn't I'm not going to stick my ore in and add a word or two.
Like many my purchases are from the internet or local hobby shops. In the main if I can get it when I want it from a local store, then I will do so but this is usually just restricted to paint, glues and the like. Otherwise it's from that great store in the sky, the internet which is so international and in many cases even with postage, much cheaper.
Magazines, I subscribe to Scale Aircraft Modelling, Scale Aviation Modeller International and Tamiya Model Magazine International. Having said this, they are all about due for subscription renewal which I'm not going to do as after a couple of years, they become quite repetitive and with the first two magazines the content has changed somewhat with the emphasis on cramming more articles in with lesser detail. But there are a lot more magazines out there, just troll through the magazine racks at your local outlet and get them if you see what you want. BTW, the guys on here are also one of the best reference sources anywhere, just yell for something and you will see.
I am a user of all paints though for ease of availability, I have more Humbrol than any other which I tend to use for detail brushing. I also have a range of Vallejo acrylic brush and air paints which I find brilliant for spray work and though acrylic, they mix well with the Humbrol in small quantities for colour variation. On top of this I also have Testor, Model Master and White Ensign paints in the collection. If truth be known I probably have enough paints to open a shop.
As for model storage, I'm fortunate enough to have my own room, the Hanger and have all my models on shelves where on occasion the get a little gentle dust.
Having said all that, can I suggest that when starting on your next build, either join in with one of the "Group Builds" as a Beginner or start your own thread under "Start to Finished Builds" and ask questions as you go i.e. 'what do I do next?', 'how do I solve this?', 'I have a problem, I need help' and you will find many helping hands come to the rescue.
Ok Jack, I've said my piece so happy modelling mate and hope to hear from you soon.
My storage solution, check out entry #33.
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/modeling/56-firebirds-squadron-raf-20403-3.html