1. Static files are a bit confusing because they need to be compiled, but this can be done when you build/deploy OR dynamically. Read the official docs carefully to grok what it all means.

2. Heroku really is pretty easy. Once you structure your code properly, you add a Procfile that looks something like this:

    web: gunicorn YOUR-PROJECT-NAME.wsgi

And it will magically do the rest.

Also, depending on your schedule, learn to do the sysadmin things, and get yourself a VPS with Digital Ocean for $5/month.