This appears to be a very straightforward issue you are dealing with and a conventional loan will be the cheapest and most financially sound decision.

Not just volume, some of the worst agents in my town, do the most volume and are horrible to work with and when a buyer likes there listing you dread having to work with them, mainly because you will have to do some of there work also to make the deal come together.My wife and I were recently were told buy a past customer that we should have a tag line that goes something like this,  "Do you want an agent or do you want the truth". we pride our business on being straight forward and honest, even if what we tell you isn't going to sit well.

Try to be in the path of progress, in the better school districts, closer to fun activities (maybe your downtown).

I love some suggestions or links to the path to learn more.

My 401k is with Fidelity and I have briefly looked into this option and it seems pretty straightforward.

You seem on right path but need to network in the right areas.

What you are looking to do seems quite reasonable and I have no doubt if you continue on this path, you will be fine. 

Please forgive me if these questions have been previously asked I am just looking for some insight for people that went down a similar path.

Did you go through the B&B path?

Seems like the best and most straight forward bet is to go through a broker, I assume that is a mortgage broker, and have them handle the legal stuff for you.