Acemachine, here's a few more tips
It will probably be hot. Expect 90 degrees. They allow you to bring in water bottles, but no other drinks. Vendors inside will fill up with cold water. Or just ask for cups of water.
3.Need some tips on what days to visit -
Avoid the weekends and try to go weekdays. Do not pre purchase the Flash Pass. See what the crowds are like first, then decide. Most kids are back to school by then so it shouldn't be too crowded. If you must go on a Sat, you'll probably have to buy the Flash pass. Hard to say which ones to ride first because they don't tend to open most rides the first hour when the gates open. Go figure! I try to see what rides are running as I'm walking from the parking lot and game plan around that. Tatsu and Full Throttle are usually running at opening. SFMM's layout is basically a huge loop. If Full Throttle is running at opening, get on that. If not, go to Tatsu by taking the Honda Express (Orient Express) to the top of the hill. This will get you near the Tatsu entrance. Must ride the front row for the view. You can probably get another ride in the last row before the line builds up. You definitely want to experience the force of the pretzel loop in the back row. In this area, you can hit Ninja,Superman Apocalypse. Continue to get to Riddler, Green Lantern, and Batman. Then Colossus, Scream, Drop of Doom, Goliath. By now you should be in the early afternoon and the lines for Full Throttle and X2 should be shorter. Might as well get Revolution and Viper since you're nearby. Then go for re-rides on your favorites.
4. Is the front row the best for all the rides?
Tatsu, X2, Batman are musts for the front. The inside seats of X2 is A LOT less rough than the outside seats. Ride the back for Colossus, Full Throttle (you'll see why at the end), and Goliath. Tatsu and X2 are good in the back if you don't mind the forces and some roughness. Everything else is preference.
5. What would be the best place to stay on a budget? Any cheap motels nearby?
Can't help you on cheap. I usually stay at the Embassy. About $125-150/night. They have an excellent free breakfast and the free bus that takes you directly to the park has a stop in front.