[Paranoid Android]

The two good looking houses are Markath's for 8000g (No windows, but it's dwarven architecture) and Solitude's for 25000g (3 storeys)

Markath house is the furthest from the blacksmith than any other house.

Whiterun's house doesn't have an Enchanting Table but it has the closest blacksmith shop with Smelter than any house. You get Lydia (follower/glitchy wife) for buying Whiterun's house.

Windhelm's house (12000g) has the most mannequins (armor displays) and display cases and also gore, blood and dead people in it (I know, wtf)

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Dragon bones and scales are used for crafting Level 100 Smithing Dragonplate/Dragon Scale gears. Which are actually not that good compared to Glass/Daedric (yes that 1 perk point could be used on better things). You're best for selling them and farming them later. It's very easy to find dragons late game. (Dragon hunts and burial teleport spam)
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Followers can die permanently. If your follower has a melee weapon, give them full heavy armor. They die very fast, as they are stupid and aggressive. Magic and ranged followers are better as they don't die as often. The best thing about followers is dumping your inventory on them when you are overweight.

Three early-game followers you can get after a few travels/quests:
Physical: Lydia (Whiterun Housecarl when you become Thane and own a house)
Ranged: Faendael (Riverwood when you solve a love triangle problem with Camilla and Sven and take his side)
Magic: Marcurio (Riften, Bee and Brab Inn)

You can fast-travel to Riften via Carriage/Bandwagon at the front door of Whiterun (Whiterun stables)