I normally refrain from giving advice but here I will make an exception. I have been living in Israel for many years.
1. Contact nefesh b’nefesh, it is a very effective organization and they have the means and contacts to help you in many ways. For Americans considering aliyah, it is almost automatic to go through them, and well worth it.
2. Do not , under any circumstances, decide yet where you will live permanently. You don’t know and you don’t have to know. When you arrive here as a mishpachah olah (not just a pilot trip), you will have the opportunity to investigate many wonderful communities and decide which is best for you. A cake baking rebbetzin is not a valid criterion for choosing a community. Don’t rush, you will have time.
I wish you much hatzlachah when you finally arrive at the only real home of the Jewish people. We are all rooting for you.