Mark,
Although this just my personal preference I would recommend a vice that rotates on the axis of the hook shank. This will allow you to apply materials to both sides of the fly as well as the bottom without adjusting the hook in the jaws.
Learning to tie from books and videos is a good way to learn but you might also want to consider going to some meetings at UFT or New England Saltwater Flyrodders in Newbury. Both clubs have featured tyers at the meetings to assist you in your tying. You can't ask questions to a book or video.
Joe S.