[RWebb]

yes you want the exhaust to go to the outside and remember "air does not like to turn corners"

you want the hood to be as close as possible (which means as close as you can stand) to the cook top

you want a powerful and quiet blower fan to move the air (usually means it should be mounted remotely)

you want powder coated since it is a lot easier to clean and cheaper than stainless

do you know where the gas pipes run?

will you make more bread for us?