To me the whole dark web thing is really made to be bigger than it really is. First you have to realize the every day internet user doesnt know how to even buy crypto, I imagine the amount that can access the dark web is way small. Secondly finding an assassin on the dark web that isnt a scammer would be insanely hard.
Honestly, if someone is gonna do it by the web, you could search your local KIK groups and have a better shot at finding someone than the darkweb. If it ends up being a paid hit, I'll be extremely surprised if it comes from the darkweb.
Everything else on your post I agree with. Killer came from out of town. Thats why no one recognizes the truck. He scoped the house out the night before. I still wonder if he had a hotel nearby or just slept in his truck. I imagine LEO have already checked this though.
I kinda doubt it was a hired hit. If it was, it would have to be the hubby. But the police have indicated they dont believe he had anything to do with it. I cant conceivably see anyone paying to kill this woman.
Thats why I believe it was a crazy person from one of her social media groups that had a spat with her. probably over the cosplay stuff.
Edit - I also believe theres a possibility of a thrill killing. someone from out of town just wanted to kill and she was chosen at random.