Head Gaskets?

[dkunio]

98 LXi, 2.5L.
Problem began with overheating. Now hard starting, If I remove radiator cap, water is blown out while cranking. No water apperent in oil. If I could trust a good mechanic I would but I haven't had much luck finding one.

I want to check compression to find out which side if I am lucky. What is good compression value? Can gaskets be changed in car? Is it ok to do one side? How do I determine if problem started with water pump?

Also had some transmission fluid leakage before big failure. Does this indicate anything else. I read somewhere else in this forum that ruted freeze plugs caused overheating?