re: best lender for home purchase?

I am biased, but I think you should talk to a mortgage lender besides a bank. They can usually get you a better rate, even if your loan ends up with with one of the bigger banks anyway.

I can put people with BofA, Wells Fargo, Chase ect. cheaper than they can get directly from the bank, much quicker too.

All of the banks will set you up on bi-weekly payments, just call the toll free number on your monthly statement.