You should done on-site SEO first. Website with rich content can help your ranking. If you're use wordpress create sites, then you can easily to...
I start from Clickbank and JVZoo.
I use both. But I more prefer to Squidoo.
Yup, if have time, writing your own article is better. But for those who are not comfortable in english writing, outsourcing can be the one solution....
Social bookmarking can be the initial linking. But if you wish your sites go to the ranking 1st, I recommend generate more backlink to your sites.
Separate names with a comma.