Wow Eric, that's a lot in one post. I can answer a few. I prime all major parts and most everything else. i only hand paint when I have to. Some interior parts, chassis parts I can't spray. Smaller parts. I've yet to buy an airbrush but its on the radar. I've been back in modeling for about two years. It's really your call. Mine is budgetary constraints. Can't help you on the enamel/acrylic issue. I use both.There's lots of info on the two, so I suggest Google. Yes, paint runs when you are too close or spraying it on too heavy. There are tutorials on the site. You should peruse them. I still find new tips after two years. I have a shelf I keep my models on but its getting full. They do get dusty up there so I might have to break out the air. That's a personal choice as well. I just disassembled one build. Use glue sparingly. Buy a box of toothpicks and apply your glue with them. NEVER apply glue directly from the tube. I've not had a problem getting glue on myself. I reiterate; Go through the tutorials! Oh, and have fun!!!