First Time Grower Thanks To High Times Dope Cup! And I have no idea where to start!

Not sure where to go on the forum to ask questions. I picked your name from a dart throw. I do hope you can help an old guy (69) out. I’m a beginner, sure you can tell.

  1. what is the difference from a reg seed, a feminized seed, auto flowering seed, etc etc.
  2. which seed will give me seeds back for next year, cause my wife and I live on 3K/mo.
  3. I use medical cannabis but the price is killing me. Like to grow enough to make tinctures with grain alcohol. My planting zone is NE Vermont USA, going to grow in 7 gal bag pots, outside.

Any input would be great. I have read allot in the last few days on this site, to no avail.

Thanks for listening.