Yep fair call... As a first year its a good car to start with and you will learn HEAPS by reading through build threads and also suss out the DIY section too! Heaps of useful stuff!
Yep, its the good thing about modern turbo cars Can be driven daily without knowing its got big power! Mine is smooth as on the street, its only the idle that gives it away now!
Cant stand people on public transport so i drive everywhere BUT we is country folk up here, unlike you Sydney siders with your million cars in one street!
You can hide majority of the low mounted turbos including the bigger ones (3076 etc).... Plenty of options but at this stage it sounds like your budget is not there! Cheap replacement will do until you can find the time/money to do it all properly!
Right there is your problem! Turbo will generally require a tune so if your budget is $1000 get a stock one or similar!
No idea what supporting mods you have so that is what i would suggest!