I think it just depends on the stock you end up with. If it's a well established and properly maintained aquarium and you get good stock, I don't think it's hard. I purchased one from a local lfs and it died after 6 days. It was from my mom and pop store too, who's stock never dies on me. When I purchased it they said it had been in the tank a while, that they hadn't added more in there for a while so I thought this was a good sign that he was stable. He seemed fine those 6 days I had him, just shy. Then just dead one morning. I talked to severum mama on here about it and she said this is common with lfs stock and if you can get one from a breeder you have better chances. Maybe you can find a local aquarium club and locate a breeder.
I don't know about the pH. While I do think consistency is most important when it comes to pH, I'm always hesitant to add fish that technically require a pH lower than mine.