Take any advice I give with a grain of salt, as I've only been doing this a couple of years. But I would like to pass on a few things I've learned.
Start with 8 frame mediums. A deep super full of honey will hurt you. I'm a 50 year old man, in excellent health and a full deep is heavy and akward. Use all the same size boxes, whatever you go with.
Control your mites. Don't assume that because you don't see them, they're not there. They are.
Requeen at the first sign of trouble. Use good queens from a reputable, experienced breeder, or raise your own.
Feed if needed. Suplement with protein if needed.
Don't wear pants with holes in them.