Hi Cloudseer,
I'll let some of the guys with more experience answer the other questions.
Regarding Part 3, you can check out
www.Skywalkinc.com located at Executive airport in Sacramento . I got my PPL through them. They're great people, part 141, and one of the busier flight schools in Northern California (good if you want to build time as a CFI). Lots of pilots have gone to airlines from Skywalk. It's California so the living expenses are a little higher though. The airport is in a pretty shady part of town but you can get a place within bicycle distance of the airport.
Also, in order to build time, maybe check out getting a 152, 172 or even a Cherokee 140. These can be had for under $30,000 or even $20,000. Then start hitting every airport on the sectional to build some time. Check
www.barnstormers.com for an idea.
Have fun!