On the financing question: yes, financing is available through a variety of sources. I'd suggest your discussing your situation with one of the reseller companies, such as TSS who sponsors this board.
There are no charges for a reservation if you are staying at one of the
DVC properties. If you stay at a different Disney resort, then there is a $95 fee. Most folks feel staying at a non-DVC resort is a waste of points due to the high number of points needed.
Maintenance fees are due in January. You can pay them all at once via credit card (and get airline miles, etc.) or pay monthly by automatic debit from your checking or savings account.
Remember, buy where you want to stay. We bought resale at BWV due to its proximity to Epcot, DHS, and Jellyrolls. We like OKW due to its feeling of getting away from everything. We didn't like SSR since it felt like the original apartment complex we lived in many years ago when we got married.
If you are young, with young kids, please, please, please make sure you can afford doing this and aren't putting future education expenses in jeopardy! (my common warning)
Good Luck with your decisions.