Hi everyone,
I m from Singapore, husband is a supervisor in oil and gas industry age 40 has about ten years of exp but does not have dip or degree. I 'm a Childcare co-ordinator with a degree in early childhood and a diploma in leadership from an Australian University. I have only about 2 years of leadership exp but 5 years of teaching/caregiving exp. However, I have not been working for the last 2 years since i was pregnant. I 'm 32 years old and we have two young kids
Please advise me on the following:

Do we have enough qualifications to apply for the independent visa?
Are Reginal sponsored and employer sponsored visa the same?
We dont mind living in low population area (cos we dont like busy cities) so do i have better chances with the regional sponsored visa?
Is it better to have an agent? How much will agents charge?
Oh the visa application fee seems to be pretty X are these paid regardless of whether the application is successful or not?

Sorry for the many questions, really hope to get some insight!

Many thanks in advance!

cheers!