i think if you're working with packaged banks (or, err, just, not making your own from scratch), you don't need too much to get started. obviously, grab some bank reputed for having a good oto.ini (as well as just a good reputation overall).
CV or CVC, it likely doesn't matter if you've got some experience with other music production. with CV banks, the process is as simple as "draw out the notes on the piano roll, put in each mora, and hit render," with a CVC it's slightly more complicated, as you want to make a note with a CV sound, then crossfade it with a VC sound-- ad infinitum.
if you are looking simply for how to make the thing function, there are some tutorials, but things like "what button does crossfade, for goodness' sake?" Cz's english tutorials give some explanation. other than that, i learned what i know from the wikia, etc.
i've only ever been a dabbler, and i've been off UTAU for years. so if there's something in particular you want to know, ask me, and i'll see what i can do.
((btw, i'm also looking for a good old voicebank. picked up yami ryone's english on a whim, because i wanted to make something unique-- not just cover the same songs. but if you have a good suggestion for a bank to get "started" with, go for it, pls. it's relevant to this thread.))