I think this link will be helpful.

Google Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide (http://www.google.com/webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf)

Why didn't you think about hostgator.com
They have resonable packages and good customer support too.
I use them since 2006.
Personally I can recommend them.

If you comment on dofollow blog , then search engine will consider as authoritative links. You can find lot of dofollow blogs on internet using normal search engines or special dofollow blog finding...

Popups will never effect to SE. But if any page have bunch of popups then it will be effect to SE.

If you want to get high PR for your site, then you have to make huge quality back links towords your site as well as possible.