2005 Chevy Silverado, V6 "work truck"

My problems started with the blend door during the summer (almost always heard a "squeaking styrofoam" sound coming from under the dash, and a couple of times got stuck blowing hot air). And for the past week, I'm not getting anything at all coming from the control panel.

I've pulled the fuse from the panel beside the driver's door, which seemed to be fine. But beyond that, what would be the cheapest/fastest/easiest process to troubleshoot and get it fixed? I've done a little research that has brought me to a resistor under the hood, the blower under the dash, and a connector somewhere that would probably have to be clipped off and replaced. My biggest problem is that funds are tight right now, and I'm stuck between needing to buy the tools to do it myself, and taking the truck to a shop.

Would putting an OBD scanner on it give me any info, or is that strictly for engine problems? Outside of that, what should I do?