Getting Started with Cloth Diapers

We've been talking about switching to cloth diapers but have a few questions.

1) Do they leak less than disposable diapers?

2) Is it worth the extra laundry instead of buying diapers?

3) Does it have any affects on diaper rashes, less or more or is it about the same just depending on how often you change the baby?

Also if anyone could leave other positive or negative things about it that would be greatly appreciated since we are really into the idea of cloth diapers I just want some more information and thoughts about it before we completely decide.