I'll look, what i can do.

Did you used sfm's hammer to compile?

can you upload your .vmf ?

Type in console:
Buildcubemaps

Should fix the problem. If not it maybe coused by "leaks".

Tutorial on lighting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hILEwPBqggg

first of all this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3SS3yXXVt0

Second, yes you can but you need to have textures and models them self, no mater do you use or not hammer.

"space for imagination or creative solutions" Thanks man I don't need them :P
As some smart guy said: "Artist shows his skill, when working in a strict conditions. So you can't just ask him to draw a great picture."

Ye, I can help you. You don't need to do 3d sketch, simple paint scheme "top view" will be enough. Also should it be in TF style or not. May be some reference, like photo or some movie, just so I know what style it should be, abandoned or working, 100 years old or just new, some where in the country side or close to a city?

PS: Can do map even without any lighting, or what ever.

What map do you need/you trying to do?

GCFScape can do it. It may be structurized diferently.

I will suggest to start from simple, if you were planing to animate in sfm then check out this