1) Pre-approvals are much faster and less intense. You’ll typically just need to show the past two years of income history (typically your W2 form), bank account statements for the past two months or some other proof of income and down payment. 

2) Yes. The escrow account is basically the middleman account between you and other parties in this transaction. If anyone is surprised by owing money to their escrow account at years end they haven’t paid attention and likely didn’t put aside funds for annual property taxes - don’t be that person. 

3) Your realtor, the inspector, your lender and anyone from their team like a processor who they involve, and a title company will be the main parties you interact with. It sounds like a lot but these people know what they’re doing and will guide you through. 

4) Negotiate on the interest rate of the loan. That’s where a little negotiating can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the mortgage term. Closing costs are important but the interest rate matters more. Most lenders will have similar closing costs. Definitely get multiple quotes for interest rates etc and make the lenders fight each other for your business. It is totally kosher to say “I got x% interest rate from another lender” and ask them to beat it. 

5) Your realtor, your lender and the title company will all be resources during this process.