Hey @mattytripps nice one to have you on here on steemit. Your tutorials are quite valuable. To answer your questions,

1. You will gradually learn about cryptocurencies while you are here. You can take your time and click the search icon on the top right corner and search for particular material key words you need.I'm sure you will get some useful results returned.
2. After learning about cryptocurrencies, you will find out you can convert steem and sbd to bitcoin after which you can most easily convert bitcoin to dolllars. The quickest way I think for you would be owning a coinbase wallet account.
   3.Many platforms are working on using steem directly for purchases. I've heard of people exchanging steem for amazon gift cards.
   4.Immediately you have a steem account approved, you have a steem and sbd wallets too. You just click on the wallet feature on your homepage and you will find the information you need there.

For more info, you can take your time and read https://steemit.com/faq.html

Steem on ... @dorth...