As you are already aware there are a multitude of different ways to 'get to college' and that there are many variables/factors at play, a number of which have been mentioned already. Its not a one size fits all thing either, or follow steps 1 thru 5 and voila... get flooded with offers. You should look at and consider all options and what makes sense(fit) for your daughter, whether you use a service (and there are many - not sure which is best), whether you consider going on an 'exposure' tour (again a number of groups do this), or whether go to US high school/finishing school, or whether you do all the legwork yourself, each have their own pro's and con's.
I certainly agree with others that have posted, leverage your network where possible, ask many questions, who else from your area/association has done it recently, how did they do it, understand eligibility requirements for each association and level, understand types of scholarship on offer, do your research, be open minded and try to be realistic about level attainable from day 1, if D1 is not it, there are still so many other options out there, make an informed decision.
A caveat on all this - unless your daughter is in the top 1% of ballers in Australia, makes an under age Aussie team then all the above is way less important, because then the shoe is entirely on the other foot. Colleges will be actively recruiting your daughter!!
Regardless, not much out there is free these days, unless you do it ALL yourself....everyone is selling something....lots of people/organisations have vested interests....so buyer beware....
For me the biggest advantage you have is starting early, and maximising the academic eligibility, the rest is hard work.....good luck!