I can only help with item #1 - About a year for both IAH and DEN. I know a pair late Jan 18 new hires who were recently able to bid into each location. At best, they will both be activated in their respective bases in Jan 19. At worst, they will have to wait a couple more months.

Since hiring has picked up from late last summer, it is now conceivable to get either base inside of one year. But if/when hiring eases back off again... YMMV.