Main bit of advice: get a good book. I have several, but my favorite is Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Repair and Maintenance. Good step by step instructions. I even have the multi volume Barnett's manual. Great for reference, but the Bicycling book covers most stuff. Also, when a special tool is called for, buy it. Most do not cost much at all. There are only a few truly specific tools you might need for most stuff - cassette lockring remover, chain whip, crank puller. Just buy them as you need them. Read the instuctions several times on how to do a procedure so you understand exactly what you will be doing and facing at each step. Most stuff is not difficult, but certain things can be expensive to fix if you don't do them right.

I use Simple Green in my Park chain scrubber. I will have to go read what Sheldon says. It seems if one dries and lubes the chain properly then using Simple Green and water should not be a problem.

Matadon, when you replace your chain get a good SRAM. With the Power Link you don't have to use the chain tool. Many people consider them better chains.

Regards,
Raymond