1. I'm no expert (I've only ever made it halfway through learning blindfolded), but yes. Learn from his tutorials. There is even information to be gleaned from the difference between his two tutorials--2014 vs 2016. Learn the absolute basics, then focus on intermediate/advanced strats (through trial and error, or even just watching leaderboard videos after you know how the basics work). IMHO there is absolutely no point in optimizing until you can do it unoptimized--sort of a "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns" thing.

2. If you insist on learning on an NES, buy an EverDrive or PowerPak. Otherwise, look at the rules for the blindfolded category. Any of those options are acceptable and a vast majority of them support save states.