i use nong khai . there is a bus goes from udon thanni to Vientiane .its easy and cheap. best cross early morning as it gets busy . 35 us dollars for the visa . i aint had to stay over before but seems u do now haha,still it will be fun have a few nights in Vientiane
only had a issue once when i had entered thailand 3 times in 6 mths. but luckily i did have my home flt booked to let me in ,other 2 times they didnt even ask .
rent a house and make sure the lease is in your name , and you wont have any issues .dont buy something u cant own !!!. i rent . i have heard of guys buying it in the wifes name but getting a proper solicitor to set up a 30 yr lease to your name only .to get round issues . but still better to rent in your own name .