About to start intermittent fasting need help.

Hey guys so new here.....basically in a nutshell I want to start IF and have heard great things but need some guidance. I figured during covid would be a good time to start to get used to it. Basically I’m 265 pounds and optimally need to be 180 (6 feet tall). I am a soda junkie which I know needs to stop or at least be cut down to start. Want to start with 16:8 and need some guidance on:

1. Tips from people who have done it so far.

2. What to eat and avoid...can I start with sugars and sodas or do I need to cut down cold turkey right away?

3. How many meals?

4. Any apps or trackers to make things easy to track success?

5. I usually lift or do kickboxing for workout does this work? Does it need to be a specific time per day?

6. Tips? Sweets or drinks with taste that work to kill cravings?

7. What else do I not know that I need to know?

8. Any coaches or people who can put me on a program or help me as I'm starting?

9. Would 2pm-10pm work? Or is there a max time I should be looking to stop at?

10. Normally at work I eat lunch at around 2pm and get home by 8.....trying to structure around that.

11. Can I only have water when its not in my window?

Thanks so much in advance!!!