Hello fellow sajhaians

As many others, I have few questions regarding this H1B process. I already have a masters degree from a US university and currently enrolled in another masters degree in united states. I have not used up my opt at all. Now I got a job offer from a company which is ready to sponsor for my H1 visa. My questions are:

First should i use my opt for one year or should i ask my employer to sponsor my h1 from this year. I am kind of confused. I am graduating in june and I have to start working from july. So If i get my Opt in july, then next year I wont be able to work for 3 months and leave united states? However some ppl are suggesting that I should use OPt because it wont cut into six years of H1 visa period.

Second, can I use the degree from my previous masters program to apply for the H1 Visa? Do i need anything from my current school?

Also, can i apply early for the opt if i have to: for example if i am graduating in june, then can i apply for opt in first week of april? How early can you apply for Opt before graduating?

thanks