I know the theory is you're not supposed to have to put gasket seal on the oil pan gasket but I do, and it helps a lot, just a very thin coat on both sides.

The proper way to lift the engine is from above with a hoist, but I have heard of people jacking it from the oil pan (removing lower mount bolts), then blocking it up and removing the jack. I've never done this and am not sure if you have to remove the motor mounts and put the blocks under the mount brackets, or if you can get it high enough to leave the mounts in place and get blocks under them. For redundancy there may also be an opportunity to put blocks between the upper oil pan (further back) and a cross member, not sure. The upper pan is alloy and not real tough. The first rule is be safe.