Good for you!!! Sounds like you've got things in place to start taking off. The bass player situation just took care of itself, so that's a bonus.

Unless you are the drummer (or bass player possibly), hauling your own gear isn't too terrible. It beats not having any space to use...and it's free!

Your songs to start off with sound good. Back in Black was one of the first songs I learned way back when. It's a classic...I'd still play it today.

Good luck and keep us posted!!