Peeking down the pipe slope, about to jump.

[GreekGodX]

#1 depends on how often you'll be smoking. Maybe up to a week. Tobacco is the cheap part. 30 bucks is an average price for a pound of baccy.

#2 Any corn cob is good.

#3 first starting off any lighter works. I prefer using a butane lighter for my regular pipes. If you do it right there is no worry about burning the pipe.