1.)TS colors match up with the X/XF- colors well. You may try those on a scrap piece to make sure they do match. Personally, I always use Tamiya sprays, they are very forgiving. If you can't use them out of the spray can, do you think you could decant them? I think Scale Auto or FSM had an article about that a while back, but I can't remember when. If you can decant the TS lacquers, that would be the easiest. As far as matching the colors, Tamiya doesn't have many colors that are totally unique, so a good match should be able to be found fairly easily.
2.) http://www.italianhorses.net/Tutorials/PerfectPaint/paint.htm. I'm too lazy to post how I paint, so here is the tuorial I used to learn. Look through this guys website, he's got some amazing finishes and he can explain how he does it better than I can. I do, however, use the micro mesh cloths. Make sure to wet sand with them. Actually, I wet sand with everything. You may also want to pick up some 600, 800, and 2000 grit wet/dry automotive sandpapers too, they help for body prep and sanding between coats.
3.) I have the kit you're talking about. Most Tamiya cars are pretty straight forward and easy to build. The instructions are probably the best way except for the body. Anytime I build a body with multiple parts I glue all the body-color parts on before body painting and prep. So on this particular model, I would glue the spoiler and mirrors on before paint. Sand all the mold lines and apply filler if neccessary, then start priming/painting. I also begin painting the body before assembling the interior/engine, etc. that way the body gets enough drying time.
Good luck and keep us updated.