We lose power often in our town (basically every time there is bad weather) and we are tired of everything getting spoiled so we are thinking of getting a generator.

Anyone know the best type to get? How much they generally cost?

I guess we just need one that would back of the fridge and some lights (doesn't need to power the whole house because when we move we want to be able to take it).

Any advice on generators is appreciated!
Yeah it would have to be less than $1000, we can't afford anything too expensive.

We can hook it up ourselves or do we need an electrician?

I have a 7500K Generac. Home Depot sells them for under $1000.00. They come with a special extension cord that lets you hook up at least three items. You can use another cord and hook up more. Mine is gas. You keep it outside. I run my cord through the doggie door when I need it. They are very simple. You can probably use a smaller unit for what you want. But get the largest you can afford. Mine is an electric start. You just press a button.

Gasoline powered portable generators can have their carburetors converted to propane, natural gas, and gasoline fuel.

http://www.propane-generators.com/

I have a small 1000 watt generator that's never been used. In the manual it says that I should lubricate the engine by pouring a tablespoon full of SAE 10w30 or 20w40 motor oil into the spark plug hole and pulling the recoil several times before storing it. Should I also do this before I start it up for the first time? Also, what tips do you have for maintaining a small 2-stroke engine.

Yes, that would be good.
Run it under a full load periodically, then drain the fuel out that you don't use.

I am installing a generator in my house (professionally of course). It will be a 8000W continuous and 10000W surge. I am not 100% on HOW to do it. Do I need to get a subpanel with individual circuits? Or can I get a single transfer switch to power the WHOLE house?

You can install a transfer panel either way. In my house the transfer panel powers 12 circuits. During an outage the living room lights are not powered by the generator. They provide a ready indication for when power returns. With a whole house manual transfer panel you would not have a ready indication and would have to monitor neighbours or occasionally switch back.
I have pictures and other information on my generator web page.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

In sufficient data. Is there are pressure regulator? If so is the 3/4 psi the pressure upstream or downstream? What is the length of the upstream run? If there is a pressure regulator, what is the pressure drop across the regulator.

I have a 2 stroke 2 H.P 1000 watt generator (genmate).
I wan to operate it in the engine compartment of my 26 ft boat.
The exhaust port is a small diamter maybe 3/4 ".
If I connect a metal flex pipe with pipe strap and increase the diameter directly behind that connection my thought is to connect it to the bilge vent pipe while I'm stationary and using the generator. Does anyone see this as a problem with carbon monoxide or any other potential issues.
The other option is to just run it on the swim platform but I'm trying to avoid the noise.

Its a bad idea. besides the heat it makes since it is air cooled, the gas tank is vented directly into the bilge if you do this. That is a danderous situation. Metal flex pipe is not marine rated and also poses a high risk. Don't do it.