That mix sounds like it would retain a lot of moisture. I usually just use a 1:1 mix of peat and perlite, with a small amount of lime to adjust for peat's acidity.

That's right. You can start seeds in sand, perlite, peat, coir, vermiculite, gravel, even broken glass. The simplest is often the best, especially when there's an unknown problem clobbering your efforts. Vis-à-vis fertilizing/feeding (and also light), remember that sprouting and growing are two different processes. They need no nutrition to sprout; that comes after. Keep the medium simple and watch the watering and temperature religiously.

Pretty simple for me. I start my seeds in a mix of (mushroom) compost and a little perlite. I mix it with a small amount of all purpose organic fertilizer (just find a brand that you like), just to help the plants growth during the seedlings stage. Overusing fertilizer will kill the seedlings.

I never overwater and it's important keep the soil/mix warm. So put them under lighting if possible.

The viability of your seeds make a big difference as well.