Just trying to get a feel for the analytical process, and thinking about numbers that work.Any advice or critique is much appreciated, thanks! 

It's an analytical process - not emotional.

It would be great to have access to what you describe, all relevant info in one place along with analytical tools, but I've yet to see that PIN is anything close.

I don't disagree that Elance has competent programmers and the suggestions others have brought up are excellent... but specialization by web designers can be the difference in success or failure.Find a web designer that has PROVEN results that they can show you through Analytics and solid references.

Very good websites are not a design element, they are born of analytics...Your question, although a sincere one, is a bit too broad to answer.

In addition to gaining direct knowledge, you also improve several aspects of your thinking - reading comprehension, analytical skills, logical reasoning, etc.

You are right I am very over analytical.

This isn't my stress, this is my release from studying non-linear spatial analytical reasoning.

.- Have analytics on your site, analyze time on site what links they clicked etc.- Do A/B split testing.

Welcome to BP, Brad.Sounds like you have an interesting background and your analytical mind is likely to come up with some great questions and comments.