The number one tip I received that helped so damn much is to thin the mud down. It's way too thick as purchased. You want it to be roughly the consistency of sour cream so it goes on thin and smooth.

The number 2 tip is to know when you're beat and pay for help. I started mudding my huge basement and realized it would take me weeks or months to complete. I paid a pro to do the rest and it was done in a week. Money well spent.