first tip would be to check if your goverment offers any subsidy...id prolly recommend LR hive and that you start in the early spring :) as for placement...the entrance is best to be facing south (recomended but not necesary)...so they get that sun as early as possible and be in the shade in the afternoon...

there is tone of information :) you should check flow hive (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=flow+hive) ...but it is just to much $$$...but i always say its good to know what else is out there :)

Also, super jealous of your land in the last photo, nothing but wide open space :)

yes...i love my view from the balcony... :)