Well it sounds like you have quite a project
For the borders I typically just go straight across but just finished a quilt where I did a mitered corner to give a 3D effect. It looks very nice but was more difficult. That said, as someone who also has never taken a quilting class - You Tube is a great place to sew how to do them. So my answer on the borders is do what looks right for the quilt pattern you are making. My LAQ requires me to bring my quilt back and I would assume most of them would. As for the batting - ask you LAQ as I have found places that won't accept your batting as well as others who are fine with it.