First time playing. When I raid the building collapse straight after. How to not demolish it?

When I realized biopistol ammo ignored shield, I had a BIG BLAST, no longer devastator barrages that level half the building! Well I still do but thats beside the point. What difficulty do you play? I am a lazy bastard, and I play novice. I am ashamed.

The laser sniping rifle seems to be impossible to be effective. Is there any situation where it is worth using?

What are the benefits of being friendly or allied with corporations and factions? With mutants and S.E.L.F, I know you get mutants and robots to recruit. But I don't really know the others.

Absolute Apoc beginner here. Real time finally makes X-com really satisfying, no more save scum. Currently watching the sky with rocket type flying APC, two hovercars and four hoverbikes. Janitor all the way, aggressivity 2/4 and highest flight level (less damages on buildings ?). Things go so well that every UFO is torn to pieces, no recovery possible. Is there a go-to strategy early game to make them land without mashing their ugly faces ? My quantum physicists are bored, nothing to study so far (eng...