Mixing with water is fine. It was intended to be used mixed in liquids, such as coffee. I put it in my peri-workout shake, just because it's convenient.
Don't overthink it. Creatine is a simple product. Just get it in powdered form, the monohydrate is all you need. In powdered and mono form it's the cheapest way to get it. Once it's in capsules it's about double the price. All the other forms of creatine are more expensive, taste like crap and a no more effective.
On the other hand, creatine has very little to do with bulking and probably won't do much for you if you already regularly eat red meat. Works a treat with vegans, but then so would a steak.
Make the base of your bulking phase your diet with meat/protein and healthy fats. Keep carbs to around 100g around training to enable you to eat more. So, meat/eggs and something green every meal. If you are not gaining weight, double your portions and go deadlift.