1st Gen(poss others),no tail/gauge lights unless remote started

Odd scenario that I am hoping someone may have some experience with:

No parking (tails & front corners) lights and no gauge lights with or without key in ignition. Everything else works perfectly(including headlights and brake lights).

Here is where it gets interesting: All parking lights/gauge lights work fine when I use my remote start(DEI/Avital 5103) to start the vehicle:
- parking lights flash when arming/disarming
- parking lights/dash lights remain on when started remotely as they are supposed to

However, when I put the key in the ignition and step on the brake(steps required to disarm security once in vehicle), the vehicle continues to run and function, but the parking and dash lights go out.

Steps I have taken to attempt fix, with no changes in behavior:
- replaced light switch(on steering column)
- replaced alarm/remote start 'brain'
- removed alarm brain altogether
- all bulbs are good(verified by remote starting)
- replaced fuses under dash and under hood 2x that would apply to circuits affected(none were burned out)
- replaced taillight relay under hood
- removed trailer hitch wiring
- verified rheostat works fine(verified by remote starting)

Note: the remote start has been in the vehicle for approx 18 months with no issues

Some basic TWorld and Google searches came up with a few other folks having similar issues (with Tacomas and other Toyotas), but no real solutions.

any insight anyone can provide would be appreciated!