Some updates...
Picked up an A1289 Mac Pro 2.66GHz Quad-Core machine with 16GB of RAM, a few drives, and two optical drives for $150. Also received an A1278 mid-2010 MacBook Pro that needs a battery with the deal. The same day that occured, I picked up a 24" Dell monitor for $10, plus tax off eBay.
Prior to that day, I received an ATi Radeon HD 5870 video card for said Mac Pro, since the machine still had its stock video card (a nVidia GT120). Ordered a couple power harnesses, so I could install it and use it.
Most recently, sent payment for a 12-core 2.93GHz Xeon processor tray. Plan to use the current 16GB of RAM, split between the two processors, then eventually upgrade to a full 32GB. I'm also trading my old A1286 MBP for a A1081 monitor that a friend of mine picked up for me in Portland.