Should a person feel pleased, or have a virtuous vision after offering Istikhara (guidance prayer) in order to do what he/she had offered it for?
The result of the Istikhaarah is not necessarily that a person sees something (in his dream), or feels pleased, but the most important result of the Istikhaarah is whether a person is enabled to do a given matter or not.
Is it permissible for us to sever ties of kinship if our blood-relatives` gatherings/meetings involve acts of sin?
Observing kinship ties is obligatory, and paying your blood-relatives a visit causing their sinful acts to be hindered , then you should do so. However, if their sinful acts continue while you are at their gathering and they didn't respond positively, then observing kinship ties via telephone and the like will suffice in this case. And Allah Knows
What is the ruling on taking a loan from an interest-based bank (a usurious bank) to buy an apartment for housing, noting that I am renting at a high amount relative to my income, and I am an employee? Also, considering that the conditions of Islamic banks are strict, and I cannot obtain the full amount from them, is it permissible to take a loan to purchase an apartment or not? May Allah reward you.
Usury (interest) is prohibited by Islamic law, and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, its recorder, and its witnesses. Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate them with something better and greater, and Allah will provide relief after hardship. Needing a place to live does not permit taking a loan with interest. And Allah Knows Best.
Is it permissible to pay the Zakah (obligatory charity) for settling the debt of a deceased relative?
It is impermissible to pay the Zakah for settling the debt of the deceased since Zakah is paid to eligible recipients who are alive. As for the debts of the deceased, they are to be settled from the estate before dividing it amongst the heirs, but if the deceased didn`t leave an estate, then it is desirable for his/her heirs to settle those debts if they can afford them. And Allah Knows Best.