Thoughts on Bass?

[ChetMagongalo]

I'd look around for old acoustic amps in that price range. I also really like Avatar 2x12 cabs, they have a really good value

[boomslang]

So I got the bass, and it sounds dang good but I just need to set the action a lot lower, Basses aren't supposed to have relatively high action are they? Also may as well add what are good amps for a thumpy sound in the 500ish range (used preferably) that are great for live or louder band settings? There is an Sunn 1200s with a matching 4x10 cab on craigslist for like 600 bucks, is that any good?

This is a bit late, but you'll want the action at about medium if you're planning to play with a pick. If it's just fingers, that's a matter of how complex you want to play. As far as your original vision of being a groover goes, having a low action Jazz Bass will probably tempt you into joining the dark side of lead bassists. High(er) action will increase physical effort necessary to pluck your notes, which will dissuade you somewhat from using your guitar licks and get your fingers and hands stronger to accommodate the instrument in general. A lot of starting on bass in general is just getting used to whole thing physically. Tension, string thickness, hand technique. They look like guitars, but I imagine you're realising by now that they're an entirely different beast.

I recommend medium action to start with.