File the I-130. I-129F is not required. Some people file the I-129F some time after submitting the I-130, with the faint hope that the I-129F will nudge the I-130 processing a bit faster, and with full understanding that the I-129F will be closed and not result in a K3 visa.
You cannot legally live and work in the US during the I-130/CR1 processing, unless you already have a valid US work visa. As mentioned above, you may travel to the US for short visits on VWP/ESTA, but you cannot work during those visits, not even remote work.