Can I do that and use propane? By drilling thru the chimney wall and running the line? any info or advice?

I'm no gas man, but I understand propane carries differently than natural gas. I would definitely have a pro set this up for you.

Yes. You can set it up that way but a licences plumber should be used to run the line. Black iron is the most common through wall used. Corragated supply line up to the regulator attached to the black iron.

Outside Tank->Regulator->copper tubing->black pipe(underground?)->key valve->black pipe to inside of firebox and then attach to log set reg/pilot.

Are you going to go with vent-free or vented? I have a vent-free in my main fireplace but keep the others wood burning.

What are the costs to have a home plumbed for gas? Anybody have any idea? I would kind like to have a gas stove and my fireplace gas. I am only in the idea stage right now.

I installed propane gas systems when I lived in Minnesota. LP and NG run at different pressures. NG at 6 inches of water column and LP is at 11.5 inches of water column. Unless you have a water manometer I would not try to set the pressures from the regulator yourself.

In your fireplace kit you will need to make sure to switch the NG orifice to LP. If you forget the pilot light will be about 10inch tall.

Go ahead and do the labor yourself as far as installing the fireplace but please get a professional to complete the gas check, leak check, and set the pressures.

As far as cost to convert stove and heater over to gas you will have to get a bid. It will vary from house to house. If your stove is along an outside wall it could be relatively inexpensive. You also have to think about the cost of LP tank and trenching in the line from tank to house. How far is the tank going to be from the house. Copper can get expensive quick. If I remember right a few houses that we converted or set up for LP was from a couple hundred up to $3000.

If I convert it I will go with city whatever the city offers. I don't think Mckinney will let me put a tank in.

Seriously look into the cost of propane gas before going with it. It is far too expensive to heat with. If you can go with nat gas that is the way to go.