The very best model to use for realistic flight would be at present the PMDG 737NGx using P3D V4 or V5 and soon the new MSFS FS and the latest PMDG offering for that. As good as the X-plane 737 is with the Zibo mod added, it's not as good a study level aircraft. The 737 Trims through the horizontal tail, so the actual yoke will sit in the same position in trim no matter as the elevators are in-line. Trim changes with power as the engines are low slung. Nowhere near as much force as a turboprop with power changes, but 737 pilots like to think so.... It's really a pussycat to fly, except in crosswind.
Just have fun and enjoy I say, don't worry to much about following an SOP set. If you do go for the PMDG version, get FS2Crew to go with it. Then you can have a helper to move the flaps and gear when you ask. They don't complain, you can select SOP set, voice and gender and at no point do they want to stab you in the back to take your job! Perfect.