1: which is the easiest/best state to swipe in if any?
Any state at the moment you find good Bin , Use 101/201 (avoid same state card ) , find good store , wear good clothes , don't forget there is Camera everywere ( u will need cap ) , don't get worry and don't forget the card you are going to swip is yours

. make fake id/embossed card with fake name on the Id . etc ...
2 : can I just use track2 info without writing track 1 on plastics will it work in most shops/stores?
yes , but if you have the opportunity to encode the both , do it cuz some store require Track1
3: does most international 201 just track2 info work same in USA as 101 cards?
yes , as you can see here most seller here are giving only track 2 and
Rome0 have explained here how to use 201 (encoded on 101 plastic magstripe card) in store ( i think you will have to know this too )
4: do I need zipcode for most stores/shops?
for amex , yes