Witch hazel is preferred. Does any one around you have a microflash capable epilator like an Apilus, Silhouet-tone VMC, etc.? More hair would be cleared and you can get more comfort. Using two hands is fine. Some make the motion with one hand, holding both the needleholder and forceps. Either way is perfectly okay.
You’re right, you’ll have your first clearnace in 5 years with this strategy and if she’s not available for you, you can’t stick to a plan that sets you up for success as fast as possible.
You really need to shop around, even if you have to travel out of your locale to the next city.
Dee