Welcome to the forum!
In-home audition is critical. Even on a relatively modest purchase of $1200 or so*, care taken now will pay dividends for years. Do it right the first time and postpone the dreaded upgraditis.
How your speakers and room interact will be the largest determining factor on your results, hence the importance of trying at home.
If BB allows home tials or has a generous return policy, take advantage of it. Given your limited local shops, you may want to consider ID speaker companies (Aperion, Axiom, etc.) who have solid return policies so you can try in your own home. Could be a hassle, but probably worth it if local offerings are limited, and the value is typically higher. Members here can even make pretty solid recommendations; I've made internet purchases unheard based on them and was not disappointed, but it's still not as good as hearing with your own ears.
Give us your room dimensions and characteristics (i.e. carpeted, hard floors, sparse or congested decor, windows, open to other rooms...) and you will surely get some speaker recommendations as a start. [I see you did that...]
I see no problems buying components like the AV receiver from BB, just make sure you're getting what you need feature-wise. You'll want to get something which will be at least adequate, preferably more than adequate, to drive your speakers of choice, so this equipment choice is usually secondary to the speakers. I'll let others more knowledgable on the vidoe-centric aspect chip in, I'm just a darn music lover.
*We'll get you hooked up for $1200 with kit far superior to any HTIB, but this is an addiction, not a hobby, so watch out. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
