First time Autoflower indoor growing help!

I plan on growing 3-4 plants. either automatic ak or lowryder. I will be using 2gallon pots for each. space is no issue I have 3 closets. How much lighting do I need for this plants? and What soil should I use for autoflowering plants? I get confused reading all this other forums since only plan on growing autoflowering plants.

You do everything the same as a normal big plant. Just use a 400w light and cover the wall in mylar and you'll have more then enough. Instead of a 12/12 light cycle do a 20/4 and it'll bloom super nice man. Good luck.

So that means it doesnt matter if I use one hps400w or a bunch of fluorescent bulbs as long as they are 400w? I believe some one told me that with fluorescent I could have them almost touching since they dont get that hot. Is this true? I am trying to save money for a hps kit but thats alot.