When you say the LBS is far away, do you mean the shop where you bought the bike or the nearest bike shop? If there is any LBS nearby, for about $20 they will completely adjust your derailleurs (about a 5-minute job for someone experienced). OR, you can do it yourself. This is how I learned to do it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzvfCaIbyQ

Best video I have found to explain how it works. Everything you have mentioned above is common and easily fixed. Youtube is your friend. The 105 group is very easy to adjust yourself. Spend about $15 and get a chain-whip and lockring tool and remove the cassette yourself.