You can cut anytime but starting is best in late spring and summer. I prefer to cut in March/April and then plant soon thereafter. Leaves remove moisture from the plant which if it has no roots yet will wrinkle from the water loss. Very small leaves seem to be ok but I tend to remove all so that energy is concentrated on the roots. You can make several cuttings from one branch but they should be more than a 15 inches unless you are grafting them. Middle cuts take longer to root and often will not flower the first season, but they grow well in the long run. Make sure the leave scars are smiling and not frowning (planted upside down).

thanks for the reply. I will try removing the leaves. I appreciate your help and will let you know how it all works out...