looking for input

[Acebird]

my goal is to have one hive now, and hope to add a second, but no more.

As I just said this is impossible...  You have chosen a goal that is the most difficult to succeed.  To make matters worse you have a hard time with letting bees die.  Keep me posted.  I suspect you will have 6 or none before you say enough is enough.

[Seeb]

LOL Ace - maybe I should explain.  I kept 2 hives for 3 or 4 years, and any swarms, etc that I got, I gave away. I have a hard time with anything dying by my own hand; I did not kill my own rabbits, chicken, goats, sheep, but I ate them.  That's not to say I can't do a bee wash, but only as a last resort [and I'd never let Van know I did it].
You may very well be right about the 6 hives, as long as I have the $$ and health to handle them - never say never

[Acebird]

I have a hard time with anything dying by my own hand; I did not kill my own rabbits, chicken, goats, sheep, but I ate them.

LOL You and my wife.  She was a vegetarian for 39 years.  Now her favorite food is bacon and second is a rare stake.  She wants me to be the murderer and I don't particularly enjoy it either but I can do it.  Makes it tough to control the pet population if you can't cull the herd.  After forcing me to have bees she is totally hands off.  Everything else she tells me what to do.  I got to love her.  She has made such a positive difference in my life.  My fear of bees is all but gone and I can now enjoy these amazing creatures.

[Seeb]

Now her favorite food is bacon and second is a rare stake

I love em rare too!  Sounds like you two are perfect for each other. It's always nice to hear one brag on their partner, makes my day.