Is my Vacuum too low?

Not bad.. could a tad be higher but you could have some worn valves/guides that are preventing it from going higher. I'd not be too worried until you actually get to drive it. Pull the PCV valve while idling and put you finger over the open end of the valve and see if the vacuum goes up much; if not, then the PCV sounds like it is right.

I'd also attribute to the soot and water being from warmup and cold temps. The choke might be set to stay on too long, but again, drive it to see it the choke setting is right. Back it off (leaner) a bit each day until it wants bog/stumble partway through the warmup cycle, and then enrich it a bit.