question about house-boat/trips?

for those of you that have taken house boat trips before, i have a few questions for you...i have been thinking of setting up a trip with some buddies to rent a housebout and what not, but since i live in nebraska i have NO knowledge what-so-ever of how to set something like this up..so here are my questions..

1. Where is the best place to go to rent a houseboat?
2. How many people can they hold?
3. Is there any way to rent a houseboat, along with a wakeboat too?
4. Where do you "stay", can you just pull up to any beach and set up camp? or is there specific areas designated?
5. Costs...how much to rent house boat for 1 week, wakeboat, gas, ect.

that pretty much sums up my basic questions, i really don't know any other questions to ask at this point, if anyone can provide info, i'd really appreciate it...and for those of you that have taken house boat trips before..maybe explain what steps you took in setting up the trip..that would help too..thanks guys!