Marriage to a Chinese citizen...Residence permits and work visa????

Hi,

I have some questions regarding my visa in China, I would be very grateful if you could please answer them for me.

I am a British citizen. I have been married to a Chinese citizen for less than 1 year, I have lived in China for nearly 3 years. I have a 探亲 L visa. The visa office in my wifes hometown said I can apply for a Residence Permit because my wife is a Chinese citizen, If I apply for this Residence Permit is it easy for me to get a Z work visa?

If I don't get this Residence permit and I want to work, is it possible to change my 探亲 L visa into a Z working visa? How can I do this? Do I have to leave China to do this?

Thank you very much for your help.

Regards
Kia