Oh god yes the planets are aligning again.
I've tracked down a MESA Lonestar 2x12, my dream amp, for ****ing $800.

Guy has somebody coming to check it out on Sunday but I'm waving cash in his face like a mad man, offering to drive to his house today. I think he's going to cave, sucks knowing I'll be scooping it from somebody else but ****, a Lonestar for $800, I'd kill for that. Cheapest one on eBay right now is $1600.

$800 sounds way too low. Beware!

It's the classic "I'm living on my buddy's couch and need money for a damage deposit on a new apartment NOW" situation, he's made it very clear that it's his all-time favorite amp and he's sad to see it go. Convinced him to meet up tonight, I'll give it the best inspection I can in 5 minutes and hope for the best, can't miss out on a deal like this.

I'm in the market for (a) bass effects pedal(s) - any recommendations?

Phaser!

Adding a delay pedal to your board basically gives you the option to have your guitar/bass function as two different instruments.

Not quite an effects pedal per se, but something that could really develop your sound:

Avalon Instrument DI, U5 Specs & Details

How does a preamp compare to a compressor?

I am planning on getting a delay pedal, I just want my bass to sound like a sitar if that's what I feel like doing.

I've got just the thing for you then.

http://www.premierguitar.com/ext/res...JPG?1371672856

Tested one of these bad boys out at guitar center a few times before someone nabbed it, it'll give you some of the sexiest tones you've never heard.

Being at a loss for explanation, I found this to be of some assistance.