Samsung Galaxy Note 2 — Newbie: Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100

Hi guys,

Am a newbie when it comes to modding, custom roms, rooting and just after some guidance.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2, GT-N7100, N7100XXUFNG1

It is running Android 4.4.2 - Samsung Official.

I'd like to do something with my mobile but unsure what.

I'd like though to go to a vanilla version of Android - like the nexus devices run.
I don't use much of the note features, believe I'd lose these if I didn't have a samsung rom but google now seem to support the pen with native apps.

Whatever is done, would still like to be able to use play store as normal.

Don't won't the phone to run slow either, which is why I want to go android vanilla and get away from samsung bloatware.
So am happy to stay with 4.4.2 or go 4.4.4 - would love to jump to 5.0

Any help would be appreciated as I am a bit worried about doing anything and stuffing my mobile.

Cheers