Can you activate your iPhone 5/5s/5c with iOS 8.1 with any nano SIM card? I just got a new iPhone 5/5s/5c and it comes with a fresh install, or factory reset, of iOS 8.1. 

I didn't get a SIM card with the phone, and it will not let me activate/use it without one.

I am concerned about the finicky behavior, and even the technical aspects of this.

Do I just simply buy any nano SIM and pop it in and it should be okay? Or is there a specific one I need to buy?

I do not have service or Apple ID but I can make one. I do not wish to pay for service (such as calling/texting) since I only want the device for gaming and other stuff (Skype and other VoIP) to communicate, such as Wi-Fi for internet, etc. Can this be done?

Can anyone clarify this for me?
I work as an IT for my company and part of my job is to manage the mobile phones (iPhones), as long as the phone is not carrier-locked, any nano-sim is ok to unlock it. In my experience, even if the SIM is not activated can be used.