96 Avenger has a mind of it's own
 

What would cause the loud whirring noise in the drivers door near the door handle when turning the key off & on?

stuck lock actuator , oir power windows are the only thing in there ...
rear of the door(under the back seat) is the fuel pump that might radiate and sound by the door

its definitely in the door, so is there any fix for the actuator or does it have to be replaced & is it tough to get out?

easy to remove inner door panel and remove it ...