Sounds like a bad TVS or it's running super rich. You need to check the fuel pressure. If you have a harbor freight around they have a fuel pressure test set for $6.99. I just bought one last week and it works great. Also try changing out the fuel filter. Run a can of Seafoam through it as well. You might have carbon build up on the valves from the exhaust leak. The burning oil could be caused by a bad PCV valve, it's under the intake, has a rubber line running to it from the block. Check it out. Of course check the plugs for color and report back on what you've got. Look for white, tan, grey, black and wet.
Next on my list of questions for you, what are you interested in doing and what was your job in the Marine Corps? You said IT, but there's lots of IT MOS. Are you opposed to Camp LeJeune? Horrible place I know, but..Could be worth checking into. I work for General Dynamics IT out of Camp LeJeune NC and there's always positions opening up here. I'm looking at a job in Charleston SC that should be filled before the end of January so there might be a Field Service Technician position opening up here real soon. Email me, naviathan @ gmail.com