#1 When you purchase the item, does it include the ink or is that purchased separately?
It comes with one toner/ink cartridge. The cartridge that comes with new printers is usually about half full so you'll want to pick up another one soon but you have some time.
#2 Does this come with everything needed to work out of the box, or are other purchases (like cables, etc.) needed?
The machine is perfect. I was able to work on s major scan and print project within ten minutes of taking it out of the box. It has everything I needed I use a wireless set up so cables were not necessary.
It easily connected via wifi to my home network and I was printing wirelessly within a few minutes of taking the printer out of the box.
#4 Has anyone been able to wifi scan to a nas synology?
I bought mine recently, I know the remote fax and wifi printing works good, haven't tried the wifi scan as yet, but will do so and let you know how it works for me.