Tips and Tricks to begin Sylvaneth

My friend has gotten me into AOS and I like the look of the Sylvaneth line. I have several questions that may prove helpful for me as well as other new players:

-What purchases would you suggest to get started?

-How would you describe the faction's playstyle?

-What's the faction's greatest strength?

-What's the faction's greatest weakness?

-What's are some things you know now that you WISH you knew when you started the faction?

Any other helpful information would of course be welcome. Thank you