One of the problems I am having with the serial control approach is that I would not be able to tell if a device is on/off, like I can with the RM's Lighting tab. This will be an issue for me when remote....so I am going to attempt this with output controls as previously recommended. With the Output tab on RM I will be able to see that a device is on or off and will be able to control its state....obviously I can control this with rules as well.
The price per controlled outlet is an issue and I could not find a commercially available device cheap enough so I am going to DIY.
I found these D2410-B's on Ebay for $6 ea
http://www.crydom.com/en/Products/Catalog/s_1.pdf
I'll either use a separate 12v power supply or the Elk's VAUX as a power source and an ELK ELK-M1RB. I'll post pics back later once I get a test strip made, but here is the basic design I will be following:
http://www.cartertools.com/tbbrb.html
With the outlet, wiring, box, LED's..I should be able to keep the price well below $20 for each outlet.