Once I create my blog (on blogger.com)do I need to or should I submit the blog address to search engines or will it be automatically indexed? Also, if I develop a blog around a keyword with little competition on google how many links should I create to guarantee it ends up on the front page (lets say the competition is 4,000 google pages or less).
First of all it is recommended that you never submit your site to a search engine, but rather gather links. I think a few links for Google rather than one link will be necessary. As for ending up on the front page, this an impossible question as it varies to how many links your competition have, how old their site is, how well respected (PR) and so forth.
yes try to get few backlinks for blogger too, generally bolggers are better indexed then others.Serps depends on how revelant is your topic quality of content , even less sites but if top 5 sites are big and old then u need to waite few days to get into them.
Submit site manually is negative than positive, get links from other free blog, even post replied in theme-related blog will help. Please contribute not spam and you'll get link long lasting in your post.
Yes,back links are better than submitting your site manually. try to get links from sites which are related to your blog.