I prefer mesh based particles myself, if there is ever a gpu-based version of mesh particles id jump another hole in the ceiling as I did when ue4 got released 
(def. not saying this is the only way, you can do amazing stuff without them)
I will probably keep the tutorial focused on the mesh-particles as most what you can do with the textures for the meshes can be used for regular particles as well.
Keep in mind that my workflow might not be optimal but I prefer to work like it.
Working on collecting all the stuff needed for a tutorial, hopefully have stuff recorded tonight and then some video editing.
and hope my English is good enough for others to follow, as I am not a native English speaking person