DSC - How to use the Package Resource for EXE files

I'm trying to use the PowerShell Desired State Configuration to deploy software packaged in an EXE file. When installed manually, the software does show up in Programs and Features. However, Win32_Product doesn't see it.  DSC won't install the EXE files, usually by just hanging there and not doing anything.

The documentation out there on the Internet for the Package Resource of DSC (both Microsoft generated and admin generated) is, at best, really poor in helping me to troubleshoot, or even understand why it's not working.

1. I know using a Product ID is preferred.  Aside from installing the software on a "reference" computer, how would I retrieve the product ID without deconstructing the EXE file with development software, like Visual Studio?  (Especially since deconstructing another vendor's EXE file tends to violate support agreements)
2. How should the software name be formatted?  For my EXE files, I've used the name in the Details tab of properties, the one listed in Programs and Features, and the one in the setup.ini file.  All of these generate an error saying the Name doesn't match.  Where does DSC look to validate that the name matches the software package?
3. Most of the examples I've seen show the arguments property filled out.  Are the EXE files required to be compatible with command line install to be used by DSC?  If so, is there a standard set of arguments that Microsoft recognizes. or is it determined per developer?
4. When the DSC Package resource fails to install, where do I look to troubleshoot?  I have the DEBUG and Analytic event logs enabled on the server I'm testing on, and I've also added the LogPath parameter to the Config file, but they don't appear to say anything that would point me in the right direction.  Additionally, the file generated by LogPath remains blank.  I've also used the xDSCDiagnostics module, but while it helps in getting the events, it doesn't help me in understanding where the problem lies, and where to start troubleshooting.  Where else would I look to troubleshoot a DSC initiated installation?

Thank you ahead of time for any assistance you can provide.