Sounds like you've got a good plan so far. It is definitely best to give them some space when they are in a stressful stage in their life (ie moved to a new environment with new smells and sounds). Some leos, regardless of handling experience, will always run when you try to pick them up, ESPECIALLY if you're grabbing them from above, as this is how predators would come at them. I would not hand feed as not all leos have good senses of where the food ends and the food-holder begins, which my tongs can attest to.
One thing you can try is sticking your hand in the tank and just leaving it there, very still, for a few minutes at dusk or nighttime. Eventually, curiosity will overcome them and they may come out to investigate.