For 1 & 2 i have been informed that medical - class 1 is needed to be from the same state. Im still not sure
Hi, you definitely do NOT have to have the medical in the same country, I know it from my own experience. I always go for a maedical check abroad.
You must have your ground ATPL studies finished before starting IR training and also you must have your exams finished before IR skill test, as Paco says.
Which school are you about to attend?