XAMPP:
www.rockettheme.com/forum/index.php?f=15&t=61746&rb_v=viewtopic
Once you've created a site on localhost and want to move it:
www.akeebabackup.com/akeeba-backup-for-joomla/index.html
As far as 'shot gunning' domains, if you plan to use basically the same template and extensions, you can create a 'site template', one that is configured the way you want, with the basic setting and extensions you plan to use and then use Akeeba to duplicate and deploy the 'site template' to multiple servers / domains, customizing them further once they are set up.
I am an idea guy who wants to fly up websites as fast as my flighty head comes up with the sparks
Just make sure your live sites don't exceed your entitlements 
If you are planning on creating sites en mass, perhaps you should have a Developer membership?