[RickM]

IMO, doing a soil sample is good advice. You likely have a agricultural extension in your region (typically associated with a university) that will analyze your soil for little cost. A google search should get you there.

I've done two large sections of yard the way you describe and the result were excellent. If you rent a tiller get a rear tine type. Lots easier.
Consider using treated "Pennington" grass seed. This seed has a coating that encourages growth and inhibits bird consumption.

Rake the seed into the newly grated soil and roll.
Then lay a moderate layer of sanitized/bleached straw (No hay!).

When the grass has developed a decent root structure rake the excess straw and compost.

FWIW, read the seed package carefully and look for weed seed content.

Also, moss shows a shady condition and late weeds show a low moisture condition. I prevent weeds buy keeping on top of reseeding and choking weeds out without the use of herbicides.