<<< I'm not sure what a buy write strategy is. That is to say- I'm sound on the basics of a call/put strategy, and I feel confident there is money to be made with these strategies(I prefer calls to puts though), but the more advanced methods still elude or confuse me. >>>
The only reason to use a buy/write strategy,... is if you want to be able to sell naked or cash secured puts as a strategy, but your broker won't give you permission to sell naked puts.
If you don't want to sell naked or cash secured puts, or if your broker will give you permission to sell naked puts, but that is not a strategy you want to use,.... then don't worry about the buy/write strategy.
It is mostly used as a substitute for selling naked puts.
It's just that you are doing it via the back door, rather than going through the front door.
It's a way to select an OTM strike and desired credit you want, and to be guaranteed that strike and credit.
If you can't get both, the trade is not initiated.