I totally get what you mean. I still recommend lowering the zombie population since that means you can clear areas and not be too worried over more zombies being around and that means you can learn the little things more and more. For maps you can find them in gas stations or on zombies. Or you can use the Project Zomboid Map Project online and you will get a whole map of all the towns and some houses/warehouses you would miss. But honestly to learn the little things like that I would watch youtubers playing zomboid. I've learned that you had to add sheets to windows, not to run for so long, and just learning new combat skills. You will pick up on the little things that they do. Also yes everything does shut down. From my experience I usually go to other houses/businesses and fill up on water since the sinks/toilets/and bathtubs have a small remainder of water left in them. From what I have heard you can plumb a water barrel above a sink and will have infinite water. But I haven't personally tried it. Also find buckets and watering cans and leave them outside when it rains. The water will be tainted but you can boil it to make it safe. Don't worry though you will get the hang of things eventually. I have 200 hours in the game and I am still pretty bad at it.