Put the car in a high gear. It's harder for the engine to turn the transmission, but you still need the brakes. There is a counterholding tool that fits the pulley. Maybe someone in your area has it? I have one but i'm in IL..............
The sheetmetal comes out easy as long as the bolts aren't too rusty. Spray with a good penetrating lube just to be sure. NOT WD-40.
It's easier to push the tin out the bottom since there's a rubber surround that seals the tin around the top. Sometimes this surround is poorly installed, so it may not be much of an obstruction for you.
One jack stand is fine since the trans mounts will keep the engine from listing to one side too much.