I'm surprised no one has mentioned anything about Adam's polishes. I personally love the stuff. Still a newbie but I used to work with Zaino products. Everything was applied by hand since I don't have the funds for a proper orbital. Still young. Leave me alone. lol. Zaino itself was amazing, smells great, could see results even using by hand, but dang if I had to wait another second waiting for coats to cure or whatever. Ugh. Adam's works really fast and with the proper technique and orbital gets darn close to 100% correction.
Adams products arent bad but they are too damn proud of them. Plenty of other products work as well or better and cost much less. Thats why you dont here alot about Adams polishes- especially in the world of pros where most people are buying buy the gallon.
Also remember that coming from an OTC offering like Zaino (used to be available otc, idk about how) and going to something good like Adams will respectively make Adams seem like the best. Adams is good, but there is a reason that a LOT of people use Meguiars, Menzerna, Scholls Concepts, 3DHD ect. Part of it is preference as well.
As far as working by hand, its almost a wash. I wont say you cant get results but 99% of the time, when someone is working by hand, they just "polish" the product into the paint and then wipe it off, leaving all of the polishing oils in the paint, which just cover up the defects anyway.
The process of proper paint correction is very specific and takes a lot of experience to fine tune. Even after doing so for years i still learn new things with each type of paint system i work on. The thing to remember, as a beginner, is to read and watch ALOT of correct information, find a niche in a few forums, figure out who knows what they are talking about and listen- but dont blindly follow. And practice on your own cars- thats the best way to learn, because if you miss a spot or something, youll find it eventually and learn because its your car.
I like how you mentioned the smell. I used to think the smell of some products was to make it sell better to the public. When I did detailing for a shop last summer I found out very quickly when you have 4 bottles of white, 3 bottles of blue, 2 bottles of pink, and 3 bottles of purple, smell becomes very important.
You do want to get a Porter Cable 7424 and a velcro attachment asap though. It will save you a ton of time and make your polish and compound jobs come out way better. I put off getting machines for many years, I would not recommend so for anybody else.
For a beginner machine id go with Griots Garage DA. It has a little more vibration but WAY more torque- and a lifetime warranty- which is good because it will die one day lol.
Smell is a factor- for me, but only when it comes to LSP/QDs and interior stuff. As long as a polish/compound doesnt stink im down with it.
Best smell ever- Sonax Brilliant Shine detailer, mark my words.