Lillies, Hardy vs Tropical

I'm in zone 10b (North of San Diego) and just starting out. [4 tons of rock
dropped off in my driveway this morning!]. I've heard that beginners should
start with hardy lillies, but I'd guess that tropicals won't be too fussy
around here -- and my thumbs tend to be on the green side anyway [I'll
probably be extremely successful at growing algea].

1. I like the look of the tropicals more -- but would I be getting in over
my head?

2. Considering that I'll be adding the first plants in the next 2-3 weeks,
any special precautions for September planting? [IF I get frost at all, it
won't be until late December / early January -- didn't get any in the last
two years].

Thanks!