First, congrats on making the decision to get started. Not a bad plane to start with either. That's the exact plane I soloed with but mine was a kit (not ARF). I take it the rip in the Towerkote is in the rear of the fuse? If it's not terribly big, just use some clear packing tape. If it's big, like a couple inches, take it to your instructor for repairs.
I'd recommend after-run oil but not After-Run oil. Make sense?? Use Marvel Mystery air tool oil. It's a lot cheaper than the bottle marked "After-Run" oil. You don't have to use it after every time out as long as the plane doesn't sit around for more than a couple days.
The air filter is your choice. I don't use one and either does anyone else at our field. Our field is grass and it doesn't seem to be a problem. I'm sure my engines have ingested a few bugs though.
Set-up a field box. The "Billy box" is a good idea.
Hope that helps.