I would recommend getting the temple degrees if you can. You will be considered as having attained a degree when you reach it with your home studies.the 10th and 11th are done by the Grand Councilor, and the 12th can only be done by the Grand Master. The first 9 can be done by the lodge master. There are 12 temple degrees which as mentioned are separate from the home degrees and are only done in a Lodge.This happens in a few months after joining. You can progress through your studies without ever having attended one of the temple degrees, but to attend a lodge, or chapter you must have attained at least the level of first atrium at home. Temple degrees and Home Sanctum degrees are different.
You have a couple of questions here that I think I can answer with a few points.
