So I double checked everything before I started testing wires under the dash.
Turns out, when I put 12V directly to the compressor, it was 5mm from a wire clip (mounted on the compressor) that was covering sheathing, that was covering a broken wire. Luckily, I put the 12V at that point cause if I had done it any higher, the compressor wouldn't have turned on but everything before it would've fuctioned fine and I would've gone out hunting for a new compressor (after hours of testing) and had the same problem.
The funny thing is, it was a stupid place to put live voltage, being so low and right between the fan and the header. I actually broke apart a busted test light just to use the probe, to hook up to the + lead on a booster pack, just to reach down there to pierce the wire. Soldering the wire back together was a major PITA too.
I think what happened was when the motor swap was done, the compressor was left hanging or not supported well enough and the wire broke.
Anyways, system's all recharged and
Thanks for all the help!!!