OK, that is pretty much what I've gathered from a few other places too... So, to my next question:
Should I mine Bytecoin or Litecoin (please no other recommendations)?
AND, what exactly do I need to do so. TBH I don't really care about ROI off the bat... I just want to build up my coin count. Do I have to buy a pre-made (and probably over-priced) rig, or can I build it myself (I have alot of friends in the hardware industry). If so, what exactly should I be looking at?
You can buy your own parts and build the rig yourself however most parts are sold out. GPUs, Motherboards, Risers, etc.
They are sold out due to huge demand kind of like the same reason why you are wanting to get involved in mining.