Seeking Blue Card after receiving offer for software engineering position

Hi,

I would like to start with the preface that I have many questions and tried my best to highlight what those questions are and also provide helpful relevant information regarding my situation. Also I know not all my questions might have answers, but I felt it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I've recently received and accepted an offer for a software engineering position and now am in the process of applying for a blue card. From what I've read, you're eligible for a blue card if:

1. You have obtained a foreign academic degree that is recognized by Germany or
2. in the case of IT work, if you have 3 years of professional experience within the last 7 years.

I currently only have 2 years of professional experience as a software engineer, but I do have a bachelor of science (Petroleum Engineering) so I'm applying for a blue card under the 1st scenario. I am hoping on gaining clarity concerning what counts as an academic degree recognized by Germany. I know I have to do this using the Anabin database. I was able to find my university (Texas A&M University) which has a H+ rating and I can also find my degree type (Bachelor of Science). Is uploading the information from these 2 searches to my Blue Card application sufficient? or must I go through the process of obtaining a State of Comparability through the ZAB?

Also do I need the original diploma/degree or will a notarized copy suffice?

I've also read that "The job must match your qualification (degree)". I would like to know how stringent this requirement is considered when applying for a blue card. Does having an engineering degree meet this requirement? or must I specifically have to have a degree in Computer Science? Am I eligible for a blue card or must I apply for a work permit instead?

I currently am in Berlin after receiving a residence permit via a German Language Course visa. My residence permit is valid past the start date of my employment. When can I stop my enrollment in intensive German language courses? Does it have to be after my Blue Card application has been successful? or after my in-person appointment with LEA?

Regarding health insurance, I currently have travel health insurance (EDUCARE24 via DR WALTER) that was necessary to obtain in order to get my current residence permit for the German language course visa. I am covered past the start the date of my employment. I am in the process of applying for public health insurance, but this process will take some time. Will uploading a copy of my current health insurance to my blue card application be acceptable? or must I wait until I have proof of being enrolled with a public health insurance agency?

Lastly, I know there recently have been changes to application process (like being able to apply online for a blue card). Is there a general time line between submitting the online blue card application and receiving your appointment date? and how far in the future will the appointment be relative to the date of which you received it? I would like to travel abroad to visit family and it is difficult to plan a trip when I don't know what day I need to be back for an interview.