Congrats on the new Rift! I just got mine too and have been playing ED for a few days. It took a couple days just to get comfortable but I'm loving it. The best thing you can get after the HOTAS is one of these
https://thebuttkicker.com/buttkicker-gamer2/. Enter coupon code MERRY17 for 25% off, I just ordered a 2nd one for my buddy for Christmas. Price with the coupon is $127.46, it's well worth it.
Rift, HOTAS, and bass shaker trio really tie the experience together. Being in the middle of a dog fight and actually feeling a ship pass right by you as you track it with your head is probably the most intensely immersive experience I've ever had gaming. I just wish I wasn't still stuck in the crappy starting sidewinder!
Also I ordered a VRCover padding set because my biggest problem with Rift is that it hurts after a while.