All of the suggestions above are on the money.
I don't use the plug in to move files into Reaper. Too many glitches in the past. Musocity had a terrific tweak to achieve that. I use the export audio function from the audio menu and then import the files one at a time. I'm probably overly cautious.
Stereo - as mentioned above.
When mixing a piano/organ etc that has a pronounced bass side, (piano, organ etc), I use a mono plugin/VST or render the file to mono in the DAW...that leaves me options for stereo in some places if I want it.
Normalizing is really a shortcut that could get you lost...noise floor, artefacts etc. may come with it but most DAWs manage gain staging really well. Yes, some files come out of BIAB a bit quiet or a bit loud but they aren't clipped so there's no reall problem.
Enjoy.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe