1. I don't think there is a way. Try to ignore it is the best advice I can give.
2.The time varies from person to person. It also depends on when you started. If you begin when you first go to sleep, you could be waiting for an hour and a half. Try it after 5 or 6 hours of going to sleep, and you could be waiting less than a minute.
3. Sleep paralysis is a disorder that very few suffer. You were simply remaining conscious as your body went into its rest stage (if there's a name for this, it escapes me). Perfectly normal, and it signifies that you are on the right track.
4. Keep at it. Find out what time works best for you. Maybe try DILD.

Hopefully, this helps.