Advice And Teachings Would Be Greatly Appropriate.

Hello everyone, i would like to thank you ahead of time for any input you have, i enjoy learning. i just spent an hour typing this out before my browser crashed. therefore this time round i will try to make this short and to the point.
I just attempted and failed my first grow, however it answered the most import question for me, "is it for me?" and i found that it is. so i am ready for a 2nd bout. my attempt was with 3x75 cfls (reason for failure), bagseed, dr. earths all purpose organic soil and fertilizer in a 5 gallon bucket in an open room.
my budget is roughly $500 (due to severe health issues) but id like to have a space i can expand on eventually.
the space i will be workin with will be 6' H x 3' L x 2' W. i would like to go with LED due to its low electricity cost and the fact it runs cool. here are my questions. i will most likely stick with my leftover soil and fert, to save on money. i plan on making a homemade cabinet or may buy a tent
1. California Light works solar flare 220 (which is most of my budget at about $400) VS
    G8LED 240 ($325) or
    go with 2 of ufo led lights?
2. should i buy auto-flower or feminized seeds? and which strains are good for my space and good for beginners?
3. other "must have" investments on my low budget. i.e. line my cabinet with a reflective surface, buy a pH tester, a fan. temp gauge ect.
4. any other basic knowledge you may want to inform me on. 
 
lastly, yes, i know this sounds like a cliche question on here. but depending on what lights, seeds and other information you provide me with, how much could i look at yielding i know it wont be any where near as much as id like ;P but what would your estimate be? thank you for taking the time to read my dumb questions, and i greatly appreciate your advice and input ahead of time. I am ready to learn. 
-peace
 
    
    
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