Within the next few months I am thinking about getting a cheap server to work with to learn the ropes of running a web hosting business. I am a few questions and would appreaciate any and all input:

1.) Whats a good, cheap company that I could lease a server from? I will not be hosting for profit from this server.

2.) What is the easiest Linux OS to learn? Which is preferred by most customers?

3.) How do I set-up my server to run MySQL?

I am in the military and will be getting out within the next couple years. I am looking into doing something along the lines of webhosting/gamehosting for income. What is a fair expectation of profit I could expect to make? How many servers/customers I would need to support myself?

I realize these last couple of questions have a lot of variable that can effect them. I am just wanting a guesstimation at these questions if anyone would try to answer them. Thanks in advance for all the help.