So far, no mention of Weight and Balance.
Calculate your weight and Balance so you know what you are starting with.
RV-8s come in a variety of configurations (go figure?) I built a very light O-360 fixed pitch version with no interior or paint. It 3 points fine when solo. Forward CG aircraft with high empty weight are going to be different, which probably accounts for some of the various opinions here. Your First Flight with CG about the middle, or slightly forward will help.
I advocate a "Tailwheel Low" landing. Could be 'wheels', could be 3 point. It's all about the pitch attitude, which is determined by airspeed when flying level. Get parallel to the ground at 1' altitude. With throttle closed, the airspeed will decrease and as you hold off, the pitch attitude will increase. Hold the 3 point attitude, you touch down.
at the perfect attitude. If the runway is bumpy and you are tossed back into the air, maintain the attitude. If tossed too high, add throttle and decide to settle back in or go around. If you wheels land, the speed will be higher and you will have to "stick it on" (hold tail up) if you try to 'plant the tail-wheel' too soon you will fly again: a Balloon and hobby horsing or dolphins, bent prop etc., or 'Add Power, Go Around'.
When landing the first few times, 'you get what you get' then you start to make it into what you want with practice. Mind the RV-8 brakes, they apply easily, and chirping tires at touchdown are common (but not wanted)
At a safe altitude, practice slow flight and control of airspeed and attitude. do some stalls, including stalls in a turn. Get the feel of the onset of stall so you can avoid trouble close to the ground.
Eyeball airspeed and skid ball in the pattern.
I agree with slow throttle application on take off, even part throttle, an RV-8 easily flies with low horsepower. Why make the first take off "Behind the Aircraft"?
I got transition training, even though I was already flying a Thorp T-18. Instruction is fun, and always worthwhile.