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Planting olive trees

I have also thought about putting in an olive tree, with the intention of
harvesting fruit.  I have read all the caveats about them being messy,
etc., and have a place where this is will not be a problem.  

My questions are:
What varieties are most fruitful?  How many years will I have to wait for a
crop (depending on original age of plant)?   Are they best planted in the
fall, or some other time of year?  I have never seen them in nurseries
around the East Bay--any suggestions for sources?  I also need a type that
won't get too large.  It will be a streetside planting; although I live in
an area with no sidewalks, and no parking and most of the overhang will be
over an ivy patch or over my own yard, I do have to consider overhead wires.  

Sunset had an interesting article a few years ago about planting olive
trees. They described the size, shape and fruiting habits of several, and
also noted how interested gardeners could obtain mature trees from
commercial orchards.  Since this approach was out of my price range, I
didn't pursue it.  The article also didn't answer most of the questions
I've listed above.  If anyone is interested in what they did say, however,
I can dig out the article.
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