Getting chips at a B&M

[Sully]

Another wide-eyed Internet guy who has no clue in a REAL game...

I live in Colorado, so B&M experience is limited. I've probably played a total of 30 hours, but only 5 sessions. Therefore, I am fairly comfortable at the table, but I'm a total idiot when I first show up.

When I'm first called to the table:

1. do I go to the cashier and buy my chips?
2. do I go to the table, mark my spot (with drink, or coat, or something), then go buy chips?
3. do I sit down and ask for someone to bring me chips? If so, what do I say, and when is it appropriate (i.e. during a hand, after a hand)
4. Should I have already been holding my freaking chips before my name even got called?

I can never tell how I am supposed to do this...every time I sit down, I look and feel like a total idiot, which actually doesn't hurt my action, but I wouldn't mind a least having the option to skip over the idiot part.

Also,

5. How many chips in a rack? 100?
6. General amount of BB to buy in? (I'm mostly a limit player, and would rather have more chips than a less than average amount)

Appreciate the help....