Advice for getting started?

[IJC]

I'm getting back into the hobby after a 6 year hiatus... used to keep FW tanks and a 70g saltwater when I was younger. I've been researching a lot for the past couple months and this is what my plans are so far:

Looking for something used, btwn 50 - 70g, with a roomy cabinet.... realizing a drilled tank is hard to find used, so I'll be looking to get it done.
Thinking ~25 g DIY sump, with skimmer, and perhaps Miracle Mud(opinions?) + some good sump lighting.

I'm trying to keep costs down, but I realize I'll have to spend some money on lighting.... still, I'm thinking PC to start as I don't think I'll be going sps for a while. Looking at a 2x 96w 36 inch fixture.

Planning to get as much LR as I can afford, and putting in an asthetics-oriented sand bed of no more than an inch.

I live in a fairly small apartment, downtown Van, so I'm trying to keep this as neat and compact as possible (got to stay out of the doghouse with the GF). I'm also worried about my water source.

Just trying to plan as much as possible befor taking the plunge... so if anyone has opinions on this set-up, or if anyone can refer me to any person or resource, I'd really appreciate it. Sorry for the rambling