well im in Pa but i think i can help a tad!
Well, as far as lights go you will need very bright and specific kelvin rated lights, such as halides and VHO and HO and Compacts (my fave) (just google them)
The brown spots are either diatoms or coralline, either will do no harm if on the rock, caralline is actually desirible.
You can mix dead and live rock, but start with live, so you get a boost on Bio filtration and it "seeds" the dead rock as you add it.
As for water changes, 20% every two weeks would be GREAT.
You don't need to run a skimmer during cycling as it won't allow as much organics to build up, resulting in a low scale cycle, wheras you want a total full blown cycle.
In my opinion all you will need is a skimmer and you could do a fish-only tank, then if you add stronger lights you could begin to venture into the art of coral-keeping (WORTH IT). I to am kinda new and agree with the price of Live rock ( i spent $200 on like three small pieces). Good luck with your venture into Saltwater! | 
