What I recall from 2e was a binder full of house-rules, and each DM had a different binder, and monsters came printed on binder-leaf paper because everyone had a different set of rules.
IIRC the term "core books" was a 3e thing, so I'm not entirely certain what it means in 2e. Just the PHB, I guess? Maybe the setting books for spells, if you're playing in a published setting?
Also I'm not sure which Wizard handbook you mean. Do you have a book name?
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In terms of min-maxing, IIRC the best thing in 2e was (ab)using the dual-class rules. You're a Human, so you're good to go in that regard. Being female or Chaotic Good is irrelevant, except it means you're not Lawful Good, so you can start out as a Thief to get access to better weapons, have better HP, and maybe even some better saves -- or you can start out as a Fighter, for really good HP, really good saves, and bonus attacks.
Dual-class over to Mage (there is no Wizard in 2e) or into a specialist Mage when you hit a good break point, like when you get another attack per round at level ... uh, 4 maybe? Whatever it was. Or when you get another proficiency slot, perhaps, if you're playing with the proficiency rules.
Do you have access to Kits? Those were also largely broken and combine very nicely with dual-class cheese.
