everyone does things differently. I pressure test the collant system before adding the first drop of water. Takes a bit of pumping to get a empty system up to 18 lbs. but I'll get it there and walk away for a couple hours. I expenct to loose no more than 2 lbs.
I put a well charged battery in with spark plugs removed and spin it over a few times while listening for unusual noises.
Spark, then fuel, short run at 2000 rpm, and lastly accesory belts.
Happy motoring