Though there isn't IV changing, you do get access to the breeding items relatively early (iirc), so you can start cranking out high IV pokemon. Or there are some ways to trade around pokemon, lots of people are very helpful with that.
There are lots of item and pokemon guides floating around (a google search might be the fastest way to find what you're looking for though) You can also find lots of playthroughs and helpful vids on youtube.
But playing it blind (or nearly so) is a pretty unique experience, so I agree with DreamblitzX in that you should just fire it up and start playing Enjoy!