(1) 1/8th is way more common...and if you tried to run a 1/10 with the big buggies...everyone would look at your buggy as the "cute little thing that almost could" .

(2) I went from 2WD to 4WD and its SOOO much more fun wit 4WD.

(3) RTR definately, especially for e beginner. A kit i cool cause you learn how it all works, but its still difficult for a beginner.

(4) This route would cost a fortune in money and heaaches.

(5) There are a few top brands. That buggy mentioned is prolly the best, but go by what your LHS carries parts for...cause it sucks waiting 2 weeks to fix your buggy everytime it breaks.

(6) Nitro Methate. Its about 20-30$ a gallon depending on where you live.

(7) Ive heard of some engines going up to 7 gallons without a rebuild...but never 15. Unless you ARE talking about the overall "engine" going 15 gallons, only replacing the piston and sleeve half way through.

(8) Motors are sold by size and type, and parts are sold by model.

(9) You can get a "working" one for about 9 bucks. They just use D batteries and the batter lasts plenty long and you dont really need the rechargable one.

(10) Also, www.toerhobbies.com and www.stormerhobbies.com are nice places to compare prices and buy.
But http://www.nitroreview.com/TheDatabase/homekits.cfm is nice. You can read what everyone thinks of almost every Kit, Engine, Pipe, and Radio! I use that site all the time, especially buy buying engines.