1) Absolutely. The two most important qualities are are passion and determination. Getting a High School Teacher on board is important and I think should be your first step.
2) Most teams I've found build directly out of their schools. All you need are some basic metal working tools such as drill press, band saw and grinders. If not there are alway hand tools. Not every team has a lathe or welding capablities while some build primarly out of wood or pvc.
3) Field tends to be the most varied. Many work out of an abandoned building. Others the high school gym. The amount of space required depends on the game. A small room or even large closet might work.
Let me know if you need any help. Over the past few months I've been trying to create a team in Owego NY so have collected alot of information. I've placed a copy of my FIRST Robotics Owego Proposal in the CD White Pages. Hope its of use to you:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1805
__________________
Jeff "Martinez" Martinez
Mechanical Engineer with JH Robotics
Clarkson University and Division by Zero Alumni
Former 2053 Tigertronics Mentor and Engineer
Former Chuck 84 Mentor and Engineer
Former Lockheed Martin, VH-71 Program Employee.
Let us never rest till every student has FIRST Rate Opportunities!
Program Proposal: FRC