I think you've made a great start in your preparations and research! I have four cats myself, but everybody did great in introductions--the girls didn't even much care, the boys were a little skittish, but came around. However, they were already dog-acclimated in that they lived with my Lab for almost nine years. We did have a few almost chases, but a sharp "NO CAT" and Johnny would stop.
Make sure your cats have retreats that the dog can't access, such as behind the couch, tall cat trees, or even under the kitchen table.
Also, don't count on the crate being a permanent thing--Johnny refused to go in after a few weeks, luckily I have two bedrooms, so I baby-gated him in one with his muzzle on.