engine hunting, what should I be looking for???

[prg machine]

Go as simple or as complex as you want. The best thing about all this is you will come out with a strong engine no matter the direction.
I choose to do it simple and let the engine builder gather the block and bottom end stuff. Let him shop for you while you get the rest of the truck ready. He knows the best sources and prices for the parts and will get them and let you put the engine together or have him do it. If you start with the machinist he will guide you through the end product( My guy even had me drive it in to set the total final timing and gave it the blessing to go pound ashphalt..............I dare ya to get any of the crate engine builders to do that for ya! Heck, he even gave the rest of my project heap a thumbs up as he tuned it for no charge.) Keep it local my friend!