Check out Michael Frye's book or app. Many locations are those I shot for the past 25 years.
Might I suggest Really Right Stuff's BH55 ball head. Yes, I know what they cost a good deal of money. (I have them on several tripods). I purchased my first in 2004 and use that today. In fact, it is in the car always ready for use. I believe that one purchased in 2004 was about $250. That would be a cost of just over $20 per year. The new one would run you $380 and if it lasted 10 years you'd be paying about $38/year. I have nothing but great things to say about this ball head. Perhaps you could ask a friend with one to use it on an outing with her/him. You will need to purchase a plate also. Just a thought.
A very good lesson for me was to check the darkest value and the lightest value of the entire image and count how many stops in between. This will give you an indication of exactly the number of frames you might wish to bracket for your HDR images. Obviously, all lighting is not the same, but you'll still get a better feel for the particular settings for .
I have a very good friend who is a great instructor. Check out the free intro, etc. Perhaps it will be what works for you. Very thorough and easy to learn/understand.
http://en.elephorm.com/lightroom-4-training.html#a_aid=LWThis however ends up to be more expensive than I had realized. Sorry
Definitely go to Point Lobos State Park. :)
I ALWAYS arrive before the very first car comes in to park. Yes, it may not be the best light, but it is the best opportunity for aligning background and car. I find a 24-105 (Canon) works with what i wish to capture: whole car and parts. Go EARLY! :)