I don't think you would want to start out growing with a hps bulb just for the simple fact they are only used for flowering mostly so i would just start off with a fluorescent bulb that is a t5 at 24 hr cycle and about 3 weeks in if it's looks like it's settle and it has some roots move it too a bigger pot and start 18 on 6 off cycle and wait to use the hps bulb when you start flowering.
sure dont burn the leaves you need to keep the light up three feet above the top of the plant till it gets used to it then lower it till your hand feels warm when its beside the top of your plant
sounds fine to me i use hps for veg sometimes and there good the mh are supposedly better for veg so you should be fine but i would recomend a hps for flowering