3. Use the visual (the form designer e.g.) way where you can, if it can be painful in the back, you will see what I mean when you be fishing textboxes out of grids for example. Try sys(1270), if really hurts too much.
4. Do not hesitate to create properties and methods in forms. It is a pain, but it is the only way.
5. Subclass everything that you use visually. This means: create a class library and simply create an entry for each control that you are going to use ... and use the ones you created this way. When you will feel more comfortable with OO, you will be glad you did.
6. Start from scratch. Do not use Wizzards, do not take anyboddy else's code. It is always difficult to change, and it stands in the way of your lear

to be continued ...