The only clues are in the email and the pic. I know, not much to go on. There are 20 possible locations for the first clue, so I cannot help much unless you posted a screen of the email. A chime tone will be heard if you are near the spot.

Now at level 5 you will get the contact missions and these will really get you ranking up quickly. Run the two we talked about in the PM. These are easy and a quick way to progress. If you didn't get them when hitting rank 5 you might have to meet Simeon.

Yes, "Kite, Don't Run" should be the evasion mantra

Load times can be long yes, a bit shorter in Invite Only. But it can take a few minutes. Normal, I think.