I would finish the assembly, decide what kind of external finish you are going to use and apply it and wait before you install bees. Then as soon as possible, I would start looking for local suppliers of bees. For a beginner, you might find it best to get a “nuc” (nucleus) with preferably 5 frames and a laying queen from a reputable local beekeeper. This is one of the most certain ways to get bees successfully established in a new hive, for several reasons:
- The bees have already learned how to be successful in your local area
- You already have brood and a laying queen, they are unlikely to abscond from your hive
- They already have comb, and don’t have to spend a lot of resources to get started in a new home.
The problem with nucs is that they won’t be available before spring, and you may be too late to order one - most are sold out in the US in October/November.
In any case, I would definitely make some connections with local beekeepers - join your local association/society. If they like you, and they catch a swarm, they may “donate” it to you 
It would also be good to try to pick up a mentor from them, if you find somebody you get on well with and can respect.
Ask questions in the other forums here, there is a ton of experience and lots of help. Good luck and congratulations!
Dawn