I just started today, and I have already encountered some questions I could use some help answering. I started earlier and have been playing around a bit, and intend on playing more after I do my homework (curse you comp II, the bane of my online classes this semester). Anyhow, I have some tabletop experience with 3.5, a lot with 4e and a minor bit with 5e. SO, I'm somewhat familiar with the system. Being a single father has limited my ability to get out and play with my old group (and my little one is too young to appreciate the fine art of monster slaying...yet) My usual characters involve strong melee and traditionally, I've always played a sword and board fighter with high AC and punishing offense to maintain monsters attention. My usual characters are a rogue, ranger and/or fighter. I enjoy spellcasters, I just haven't played many. I've been trying to read through some topics to get a feel for DDO, and if I am not mistaken it seems a paladin is the way to go currently for a S&B type. Although I am currently a free to play player, I am not opposed to spending some money for easier progression, although I am by no means wealthy lol. All that to say this...

I made my first character, a stalwart vanguard fighter who is a whopping level 1 (rank 3) right now. Mainly I've been trying to get a feel for the gameplay, but I already have some questions that possibly will be answered as I go, but I am impatient..

1. How many ranks do you go through until you level?
2. I spoke to a different class trainer and it seemed as though I could already multiclass, but I assume I am too low to worry about that until at least level 2?
3. Would I be better served doing a two weapon fighter for now at the early levels, or should I stick to what I enjoy and learn it first?
4. I have not investigated the store yet as I have seen several posts saying to play for free for a while to learn the ins and outs before buying anything, but is there anything any of you would suggest I consider buying first? Like the best value or deal etc..
5. I have only completed a few of the normal quests so far, but I did select the thing where random PC's could join although none did at that point. If I can, as a free to play, should I redo these quests on the harder level for better rewards or should I just focus on going forward?
6. As for this fighter, I am intending to work towards a really strong defensive fighter who is an undead killing machine. I am assuming I should be looking at some paladin levels at some point, is there anything else you would suggest I look into?
7. I keep seeing references to a "subscription", but I'm not sure what this has to do with.
8. Before I get too far into it, if I need to reroll a paladin or something other to fit my theme, I'd just as soon do so now than later. Any suggestions and opinions are appreciated.

Thanks again, and sorry if any of these are repetitive noob questions.