First time: Plants ready to flip? Should I do some defoliation first?

Follow @LaBossanova that's some great advice. As for your question I defoliate from the 3rd node from the top down on short plants like yours. If there is a lot to take out >20% only take one of every pair of fans you plan on removing, come back the next day remove the others and remove small bud sights that will be block by new growth. This should be considered a level 2 grow technique really, better off understanding how longer shorter veg, and overall enviornment effect the plant. However, I believe messing with the plants is more fun than the smoke, so play around. try one plant first and see how it fairs (not same strain so not a direct useable comparison, but will give you a good idea). Awesome work so far and keep growing!