Hi DMW ,
A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.
There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.
I'm not sure if there is anyone from Virginia Beach, however with over 8,000 members I'm sure there must be someone nearby. If not, you might like to see if there is a LBGTIQ organisation in the area that can point you in the necessary direction for professional monitoring of HRT.
Basically to answer your question, there is no general rules you need to follow in transitioning. Except for one thing. You need to be professionally monitored and subscribed HRT. No if's no but's. Everything else is up to you. You could go full time right now if you wanted, then HRT, or whatever.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine