Well i am pretty much working every class but my main one is a Gladiator/Paladin.
The Gladiator has an ability to regenerate some TP so i would imagine same would go for Mages with MP.
Crafting is not a must but a nice addition as later on in the game you can have the ability to add (slot) items in some armour and weapons which are either stat boosts, etc.
So perhaps i would suggest to begin crafting from the start as it takes time to level up.
As for housing it is to become available in the next big update however i believe it will only be company housing so you would need to be part of a Free Company.
I know our group is currently stashing away gil for this purpose