It's the home planet bonuses for tax income and extractors.
You'll need to edit every Planet[Name].entity file and set the path:Home to NOT give a metal or crystal bonus.
Also, I wouldn't mind removing the Frigate Factories
You'll need to edit the GalaxyScenarioDef for the normal start option for each faction.
also lower planet development to a bare minimum when starting the game
You'll need to edit each map (*.galaxy) you play and set the normalStartHomePlanetUpgradeLevel's to whatever you desire.
Is it even possible to remove one of the building ships at the start, and maybe be able to have a second later on through research and/or building it yourself (maximum of 2) via a Frigate Factory?
This is done the same way you would remove a factory. Also, additional constructors are added by purchasing logistics or tactical slots. You would add back in the additional constructor by editing these sections of the Planet entities.