Sounds like you've done a good amount of homework, good job!
The items you have picked out are pretty good. Again, good job. You shouldn't really have to worry about outside weather, unless you live on the streets or anything...just keep the house/apartment thermostat between 74 and 80 degrees.

Q&A

1. There isnt really any products out there making maintenance easier than it already is. Just spot clean and clean items regularly.

2. It all depends on what you want the tank to look like. I prefer live plants because...they appear more lively (lol). Fake is still a good option.

3. White's are pretty flexible as far as foliage goes. They might want to hang out on more broadleaved plants, and be sure to pick up some vines for climbing.

4. You should try Eco-Earth. It is completely safe and is made of recycled material. It is a coconut fiber beading. Products you suggested are fine too, either one.

5. Changing the water daily is a good habit to get into, but at the same time if you skip a day or two, its okay, nothing bad will go wrong.

6. Crickets should be a staple in the White's diet. Also be sure to mix it up sometimes, fattening foods like phoenix worms or mealworms should be a treat, once weekly.

7. A home improvement retail store like Home Depot should have them.

8. Its not really necessary, but you can use it. Its better if you 'dust' the crickets/ food with calcium dust every other feeding.

9. Not at all. Juveniles are somewhat less hardy, but its unlikely that they will die on you for no reason. Your tank can hold 1-2 adults max.

10. I have no idea, but I bet you can find a good pet store in NY that sells em'. White's are widely sold in many pet retailers.

11. I personally do not bleach my vivariums, I just spot clean daily and change out substrates or wipe down ornaments as needed.

12. Any thermometer or hygrometer should work pretty well. The best option (temp/ humidity reading wise) would be to get an electronic one. They have a probe that measures exact temp/ humidity. Although, they are expensive so analog ones are still a good option.

Good luck , and welcome to the frog hobby. Once you get in, THERE IS NO WAY OUT.

Haha bye.