Leigh:  Thank you for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline, requesting information on planting fruit trees in your zone 4b yard.

I have attached a few links to information provided by various universities located in similar hardiness zones that you may find helpful.

The first one from the University of Minnesota specifically mentions the differences between dwarf and standard apple tree varieties.  If you expand the section titled "Choosing a Rootstock" there is information such as tree height (dwarf trees may grow half the height of a standard), harvest differences (standard may produce 10 bushels per tree vs. 2-3 bushels for a dwarf variety), and years until the tree bears fruit (standard may take 8 years, while a dwarf foot stock tree may take 2-3 years).

Growing apples in the home garden | UMN Extension

Other sites attached, with my comments in black print: 

University of Maine leaflet describes types of fruit trees to grow within specific USDA hardiness zones for our area.

Types of Fruit Trees - Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits - University of Maine Cooperative Extension (umaine.edu)

University of New Hampshire leaflet for growing stone fruit trees in New Hampshire.  Mentions specific plums suited to northern NH.

Growing Fruits: Growing Plums, Cherries and Apricots in NH Home Orchards [fact sheet] | Extension (unh.edu)

University of Maine leaflet on peaches for colder climates.  Very thorough.  Also, gives pruning tips.

Bulletin #2068, Growing Peaches in Maine - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension (umaine.edu)

Cold hardy stone fruit varieties are described in the following information from the University of Minnesota.  This may be helpful because the information includes the average height of the tree.

Growing stone fruits in the home garden | UMN Extension

Finally, I'm attaching information from Oregon State University outlining the process of pruning fruit trees.  You mentioned in your request that you may need to control the size of a standard tree by pruning.   This information may be helpful to you because it explains proper pruning techniques and cuts (for instance, it is very important to make a cut outside the branch color for proper healing around the cut),

Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)

I hope you find this information helpful.   The plan for your project sounds nice, especially if you can use dwarf varieties in your limited yard space.  
Sounds like a fun project.  Good luck!