Prefolds are a great cheap and easy way to CD. They wash and dry well too.
I love Gina at Little-Lions. She'll work with you to get what works for you. Here's her pkg deals.
http://www.little-lions.com/page19.html I like the medium pkg cuz you get regular and premium PF. Unless dd is a super soaker regulars are great for day use. I prefer the Bummis wraps to Proraps, but MANY use Proraps just fine.
http://www.diaperpages.com has good info on folding, trifolding, etc.
I can still use regs and premiums on my almost 3 y/o, even pinned or Snappi'd. They will last even longer if trifolded. I'm sure to PT for nearly all kids.
I wash when the pail is full. About every other day when he was a newborn, every third day later on, and now only every four days or so. He's mostly in trainers now. I also use Purex F&C, cheap and works great. I use about a 1/3 cap. Bottle last a long time.
For a pail and plastic container with a lid will work. I had a friend that used a cat litter container, free, and loved it. I have a medium flip top trash can- around $6 at Target. Toss any loose poop in the toilet, toss used dipes in the pail, when the pail's full or you're low on dipes wash them. Easy and cost effective.
GL!