These are people protecting either the citizens of Seattle or their corporation's assets and they can't really afford to go slowly. Just stay in the shadows, runner. Of course, they're gone for this scenario. It is possible for your whole team to get fragged in VS, but this is never the intent of a scenario. Your GM will come up with a rough total.
Players can take either the cash share or actual loot.
Your designated heir can be your new Virtual Seattle character. It CAN'T be another player's character. Well, your Virtual Seattle character's abilities at least. As mentioned previously your character's skills and attributes are improved as per Shadowrun 3 rules. Gear is another matter.