EV9D9 could be used to deliver exposition if we went with the subplot where Jabba is the last Separatist leader and they're going there to get the old ships to help with the attack.
I like Luke just making grand entrances all the time as part of his character. The implication that he's going to leave to go "think" is enough for me.
I've never had a problem with starting on Tatooine, so for simplicity's sake I think that would be fine.