Started playing the game a week ago. It's awesome and it's not even finished yet! The game is really cool and I hope the updates will make it better, not vie-versa as it happens with some other games.
Don't know if the askers got their answers but here are some:
You can't be attacked by infected if you don't play, but other players can attack you anytime so make good defenses.
Fuel can be obtained with real money, found in junk, looted from map locations.
And i don't think Jack will be the owner of the fuel trading post, but that Ivan guy and his big beard seem awfully suspicious... just saying.
Oh, and I'm so glad that I have a fast computer. :P