edit: doh. I figured out the axle issue. It was pilot error.
Too much back to school drinking/studying.
However:
I got the bearings adjusted on the rear at my LBS and now the rear spins for dayzzzz with it bolted into my track ends. However I'm still hearing a weird rubbing noise. It almost sounds like the tire is rubbing my frame but I've looked at it from all possible angles and I've got plenty of clearance everywhere. . .?