They’re Pretty much very close when it comes to the processing time; even if K1 is 2-3 months faster, that is not worth the drawbacks of the K1. And I’m one of those people. I did K1 and I do not recommend it.
For CR1, at NVC stage after USCIS approval (roughly 12-14 months). For K1, at the interview, roughly 18+ months after filing
No, she needs to have the job in place. Hypotheticals, no matter how convincing, are not going to work.
Annual
I think you’re talking about a petition, not a visa (USC files a petition which later allows the beneficiary to apply for a visa at a US consulate abroad). Petition placement is not location based and you can’t choose one. USCIS assigns it according to their internal system and reasons, not known to the public.