Well Donovan, here's what I've learned here:
Screws will work. They aren't the preferred method of building an AK, but as you said, you don't seem to have many options. I'm a little surprised you can't find anyone in Dallas to help you, but anyway...
The MAIN reason why you see people use those black allen screws so much is because chances are they are grade 8 screws (or at least should be). You could use other types of shiny screws but they lack the strength of the grade 8 units.
As far as 'special' riveting tools, well, all you really need is a hammer, some flat head punches, and a bodyman's dolly. Maybe not the easiest tools to use, but they do work.