Take cuts while your at his place. Just use party cups and take a box they fit in well w some headroom.
For clones and seeds Ive started mixing:
Peet Moss
Worm castings
Planting Compost
Perlite
Mycos
Use a tray and dome till they start making new growth.
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I know all about economy growing. Lol
As far as photo vs auto from seed maybe faster. From clone, clones win. Saves tons of power too running photos. My 2cents... I'd go grab a tent full of clones and be done in 8-9 weeks. Lol. Then you can dink around with seeds etc and still have a constant clone supply.
I won't buy auto seeds but if I'm ever gifted more I might give them another try... but only outside. Too much power required to do them right.