re: Step one: Learning to use the software.
I Use a wacom Graphic Tablet myself (No I'm no good with it but I had to fill a spare USB port J/K on the port bit) makes life alot more productive once you get use to It. I'm not sure what other gagets you got or need but a Intuos3 Lens Cursor with a A3 Tablet makes short work on the plan views in transfering from paper to screen.
http://www.wacom.com/index.html
Now this is when you tell me I teaching you to suck eggs.
