1.) The thing about the older VW's is that they are either indirect-injection diesel (IDI) or they use the CIS fuel injection system. Not just any old mechanic can work on either one of those systems. I've seen lots of people with CIS end up stranded because they didn't know how anything about it, their friends and even their mechanics didn't know anything about it. There are lot of little differences between VW's and most other cars. For example, on a VW the timing marks are on the flywheel and you have to pull a stopper out of the bellhousing to see them.
2.) With a watercooled VW there are a few special tools you will need, like a set of XZN sockets (aka triple square). They are like an allen wrench, but 12 point instead of 6. They are used where the CV axles bolt to the transmission, for the head bolts, and other places too. Autozone has them in a set of 4 for $12 or so. Tell them you want item 25015. If they tell you they don't have it, they are shitting you.
3.) You'll need a set of allen wrenches too. Best to get the socket bit kind because you'll be using them a lot.
4.) Platform designations are always "mark," as used in King's english. As in Lee-Enfield Rifle No. 1, Mk III or Jagaur XK140 Saloon, MkII. You never, ever pronounce it as "emm-kay." The only exception is when you're doing it ironically to make fun of the newer generation of VW's and their fans who don't know the correct form, in which case you would say "Emm-Kay-Eye-Vee".