1. Dont know, never lived there.
2. Depends on how many X's you have that can be done on the road. I think you would need six and I wouldn't count on that, but you may find an instructor who could work some magic for you.
3. Logical progression, it was tough at first getting used to working the displays and flying, and learning to fly appraoches at 250 kts. Once you figure that out its not that bad. I found myself studying a lot more through TS than I did in primary, but once you get out of instruments, its a blast. I mean low levels, weapons, ACM, the boat... All Unbelievable.
Good Luck