Does she battle?

yes sir she can stay home or join you

Hmm.

Tempting.

I need to buy a bigger house, Whiterun isn't bad but I really want to see how big the one is in Solitude.

#fml.

#somuchgold

get a horse and then just grab every piece of gear you find and sell

Horses count as infinite carriers?

I know I can pack-mule my companions ha

well if u get a horse and u get overweight you can fast travel when u get on it

Oh...

#duh.

I've been hunting dragons to get their bones and such to sell

Earlier today I finished the College of Winterhold quest-line and became the High-Mage, now I joined the Dark Brotherhood and plan to do their quest-line.
After, i'll return to main quests.

Is it worth it to be the High-Mage?

If you play casting class, yeah, you get an awesome piece of armor and the face-mask that you get from one of the last bosses is very beneficial.
Also, the fact that you get acknowledged as the High Mage is a nice benefit