Reddit mentions of Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base (Plain), 130-Grams (Pack of 5)

I would just buy whatever hot pot fits your lifestyle. For example, I don't suggest buying a butane stove if you have bad ventilation. I've used all kinds butane stoves, electric pots, etc. and they really make no difference on cooking the food and yes the elevation can be affected, but not so much where it's not enjoyable.

For soup base recipes, I highly suggest just buying premade soup bases. Premade soup bases are both convenient and taste delicious. Unless you cook a ton of Chinese food, you won't have to buy a ton of ingredients in large quantities just for your hot pot broth.

If you are going the typical Chinese hot pot flavors (herbal and spicy), my favorites premades are:

Herbal

Spicy

The spicy I linked is hard to find at times and sometimes I just grab whatever one I can find at the Chinese grocery store. I usually find most spicy premade ones to be pretty good across various brands, though herbal ones tend to be more hit and miss and I highly recommend you use the one I linked for herbal! The spicy one I linked is "mala" spicy, so that means it's a numbing spicy which can be unpleasing to a lot of people. If you want just normal spicy and no numbness, look at the ingredients and make sure there are no szechuaun peppercorns.

If you go the premade route and have a half/half pot, be sure to only use half of the seasoning! Each pouch is made for a full size pot. If you are going to go non traditional with your hot pot soup broth (tomato, tom yum, etc.), you might have to make your own hot pot broth as I don't really see much variety beyond spicy and herbal at the grocery store.

Usually I just do a simple chicken stock like most people are saying and dip it with shacha sauce (mix with a raw egg and some green onions and you're good to go!). However, if I feel like it, I find a Little Sheep flavoring package from a chinese supermarket and use that (be sure to follow the ratios for water:package). http://www.amazon.com/Little-Sheep-Soup-Plain-130-Grams/dp/B004XXXLXI

I would consider going into other countries' versions of hot pot too: miso soup(japanese) with a ponzu dip. Or thai, which is my favorite (simple broth soup with a spicy dipping sauce). http://www.khiewchanta.com/archives/ingredients/sauces-pastes/homemade-spicy-suki-sauce.html

Enjoy eating hotpot!