This thread should help you.
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/exporting-importing-vehicle-us-to-canada-only.415713/
Wrong. If you are still in US, it is valid for 6 months from date of issue. If you are not in US, it is valid as long as it is issued after your last visit.
CIC will not email you about receipt of passport and its only been 2.5 weeks. You can email them about the passport and they will confirm the receipt of it.
Immigrant visa is for landing and once you land, you are PR. No need to wait for PR card. You can start applying now and can work as soon as you land. Just apply for SIN.
If you have a Canadian employer then they do not ask for proof of funds (experts can confirm), if you do not have a Canadian employer then it does not matter.