Ya.... I understand that.
If you aren't ready to pull the trigger on this, then waiting is always best with home automation. It changes a lot, and is still in an early adopter state.

Generally, reception is excellent with Z-Wave products, low power, and the mesh network has excellent penetration and coverage (So, if you have a switch on each level, in general you are good, no need for additional SmartThings hubs or anything). But my personal advice is, buy switches (These are my personal favorites, Linear now GoControl)
Stay away from GE, they just re-designed their Z-Wave products, and I haven't tried them since, but previously they were, not very good.

The Smart Home / Home Automation rabbit hole runs deep. I'm not a believer in the "Smart Light Bulb". I think smart lightbulbs are an expensive bandaid for smart homes, and are NOT a long term solution. Switches work whether your internet is working or not, and there is zero lag between pressing a Z-Wave switch and the light turning on (where, there can be a small lag ... like, a few mili-seconds up to 3 seconds lag when you use your phone or Google Home). Smart Lightbulbs, I've experienced everything from total lag (i.e. not working, needs a reset) to "normal" lag of 1-2 seconds. Kind of annoying.

But, obviously, if you are a renter or move often? Smart Bulbs may be your best option :)
Good luck. *Hands over the red pill*

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1OVFAK/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

On the switch question has anyone tried this? It looks identical to the GE Zwave switches which makes me think it might even be by the same OEM. Plus it's $10 cheaper than the GE switch which is a licensed product anyways. I know $10 isn't that much but I need to buy at least 9 of them so I'd like to save the $90.