I'd mostly use these ideas in other cities that I don't work in, going through normal channels.

This depends on your personal investment philosophy and/or what gurus you follow.For example, many in the FI community would say you should not mix your 401k (normally equities investments) with real estate investments because the diversification you get by investing in the equities market and the real estate market are a boon. 

I understand that but when I’m being charged 150$ for each question is that normal?

For this reason I was considering reducing our contributions down to the bare minimum this year, and putting the money I would normally contribute aside for a rental investment.

Would you normally rent the house without a washer and dryer at a certain price and then give the option of delivering and installing them for $20 a month, as an example?

I just have nothing to compare agains so I have no idea if this is a normal premium or not.

Normally you can go to list source and pay for a list of addresses that match criteria, but Idaho is one of very few states were data isn't public.

The closing costs aren't normally much different either.

Normally in that area you don't get cash flow you get appreciation.

When the refinance is to occur you would just get a payoff from them and continue on as your would a normal loan.