I read somewhere that it's possible to build and use the teleportation device to get to the Institute without enlisting the help of a faction, however it neglects to explain how... I know the parts are supposed to show in the "build" menu when they're read, but they don't until a faction member looks at them (for me anyway). I guess my question is, is it possible to build without help, if so, how?

Interesting, I just read on a wiki that you can indeed build it yourself however it doesn't specifically mention how. I will investigate further

Edit. After further investigation I think that is not entirely accurate. It looks like you need to pick one of the factions to help you finish the teleporter. Just picking a faction to help build the teleporter doesn't lock you to any particular faction however.

Yeah, the 'Misanthropic Moxie' option seems to have been cut from the final game.

Does the faction you choose also decide the location of the teleport device?

I chose the Railroad to help me build it. Tinker Tom is a little nuts but he knows how to make tech work. However the location they chose had hardly any flat ground to build the thing on. Took me a while.