Yes
No.
No
With over 25000 laws on the books regarding firearms, it is always best to check with your local law enforcement for current information.
You only need a license if you wish to wear a handgun openly or concealed (it is illegal to do either without a permit). But no permit is needed to buy or own any otherwise-legal gun (rifle, shotgun, pistol) or to carry a rifle or shotgun.
Yes
No, the permit system only pertains to handguns. To buy an ordinary Title I rifle or shotgun, you simply go to a gun shop, fill out your Form 4473, have the NICS background check phoned in, and pick up your firearm. Now for pistols, you either need to purchase pistol permits from the Sheriff's Office of your county, or have a North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit.
In MOST of the US, a permit is NOT required to purchase a .22 rifle. IF one is required in your area, it is because elected politicians passed a law that says you need a permit. You would need to ask them why they did that.
Money. Permit not required.
No.
yes
yes
The SKS is not an assault rifle, nor even a BATFE-defined "civilian assault weapon". And no, a permit is not required.